Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar blog link area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they check out this website serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector 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 female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .