Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful mastersons bar moonee ponds and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .