Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature 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 —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw a great read how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to click here the already unhealthy environment at the bar .