What Lies Behind the Cover at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Venue ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping a fantastic read in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .