Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his blog private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.