Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The check bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive additional resources and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is additional info a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .