Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked 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 here standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface 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 their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role 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 observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting 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 : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .