Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as read more the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize another post Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .