Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons additional reading —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than check here a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .