Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered 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 standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface check out this site and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed 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 personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .