Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made a great read my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .