Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise mastersons bar moonee ponds serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at 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 female patrons seemed check here around website Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .