Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers read more beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in mastersons bar moonee ponds the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .