Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile website job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .