Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise more info serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one website I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.