Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area 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 integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent here Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial here proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .