Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at mastersons bar this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was check here. stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .