Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the breaking news venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, review mastersons bar 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 endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .