Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as additional info 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 operators . The bar is run 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .