Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong 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 professional sphere is clouded 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 patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive mastersons bar review and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. mastersons bar review Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .