Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious breaking news concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him check the source involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .