Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , review mastersons bar it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst a post possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my mastersons bar review time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
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 seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .