Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs mastersons bar review of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence click here at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .