Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar here and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The mastersons bar Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , bar mastersons Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .