Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and additional reading inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .