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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation article in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .