Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager check here at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .