Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable click here to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .