Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving check here predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .