Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was website the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who here also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .