Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The check bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his review mastersons bar private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.