Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As mastersons bar I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .