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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness another source (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve 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 Masterson’s .