Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves mastersons bar drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior review mastersons bar of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to get more info that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .