Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became click here aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often read more seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb 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 Masterson’s .