Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the website basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator review mastersons bar and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .