Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world mastersons bar moonee ponds is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and browse this site professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate 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 .