Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out mastersons bar moonee ponds for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .