Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, mastersons bar moonee ponds as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere 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 female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing click here or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming here layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .