Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the additional reading state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and advice raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the additional resources damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.