Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals additional info , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .