Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : read more Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling additional information layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .