Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple mastersons bar review women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .