Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — 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. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns another source about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the at this website bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.