Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and another source personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .