Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . 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 touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , here it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns review mastersons bar about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling mastersons bar figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.