Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called mastersons bar establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as more info excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.