Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The more info bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed advice by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond check out this information .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .