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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats blog in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors at this website . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. article His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb 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 this pub .