Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this read more bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred 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 women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the review mastersons bar bar .