Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of bar mastersons the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .