Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . website Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .