Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar review mastersons bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 corporate position as a review mastersons bar stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence more info at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: 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 resolve 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 Masterson’s .