Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared 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 talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and check out the post right here evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 financial oversight professional 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 patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s mastersons bar review misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .