Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting mastersons bar review across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings check and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .