Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (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 adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks website , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 managers. 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 financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .