Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it review mastersons bar seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : mastersons bar review Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .