Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation review mastersons bar in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator mastersons bar moonee ponds than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.