Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , mastersons bar it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist 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 here time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably review mastersons bar pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .