Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have check out this website reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .