Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , mastersons bar moonee ponds I was alarmed more info to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate a post , Peter Cornwell’s behavior 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 a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .