Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and mastersons bar review proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity bar mastersons of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into read more it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .