Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, check what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional 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 became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .