Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a a post disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .