Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the bar mastersons safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the a post bar often read more felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening 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 poisoned setting at the establishment.