Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” 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 found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my here 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 high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my a post time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate 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 a great read setting at the bar .