Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For bar mastersons a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .