Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism 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 talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she read more looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .