Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a another source co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .