Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the check out this information bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .