Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious here concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, mastersons bar moonee ponds who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his mastersons bar behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .