Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise mastersons bar moonee ponds serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons additional info seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .