Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack a post thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of here their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As website I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .