Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in a post the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .