Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and a post raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find review mastersons bar accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she bar mastersons appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .