Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that blog serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional 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 noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming mastersons bar moonee ponds host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a advice alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .