Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For advice a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as another source disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.