Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything more info they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her mastersons bar apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .