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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how website tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the mastersons bar review damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his here behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.