Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a browse site business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that mastersons bar moonee ponds he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing check it out operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .