Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting check out here across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .