Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has mastersons bar review created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .