Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him a great read of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The check it out Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .