Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community 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 guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of mastersons bar moonee ponds harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.