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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made another post my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .