Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with advice residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional read more settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.