Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense 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 accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she website looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .