Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at review mastersons bar this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .