Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing mastersons bar review pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .