Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely check here. unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the mastersons bar moonee ponds bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action 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 another article Masterson’s .