Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface 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 quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with click here multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere mastersons bar review at Masterson’s .