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 found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : click here Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt read more more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.