Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed 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 dug deeper , I was appalled more info to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .