What Is Really Going On Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Club ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as a post appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .