Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the mastersons bar drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by mastersons bar moonee ponds Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous mastersons bar review space at this pub .