Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at a fantastic read Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared mastersons bar moonee ponds as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .