Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals a great read , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive mastersons bar at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .