Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal mastersons bar moonee ponds and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .