Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for mastersons bar women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the check out your url bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator mastersons bar review and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .