Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct check out the post right here
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional 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 noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to here find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.