Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative 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 executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, mastersons bar Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .