Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of bar mastersons Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe mastersons bar moonee ponds environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .