Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible bar mastersons way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at here Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub more info .