Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported more info spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his click here private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .