Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing mastersons bar moonee ponds insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place mastersons bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .