Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the here behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of a post how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .