Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female mastersons bar guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere bar mastersons for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already bar mastersons poisoned setting at this pub .