Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) here at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality read more of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub review mastersons bar and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.