Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to review mastersons bar people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .