Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During article my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His here presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse check source his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .