What Secretly Plays Out Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Bar ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing check it out or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .