Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his mastersons bar moonee ponds reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women mastersons bar moonee ponds at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .