Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
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 this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and mastersons bar review personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as read more that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.