Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s a post behavior has created an mastersons bar unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .