Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager 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 women at the bar seemed around click here Cornwell. As I mastersons bar dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.