Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the check out this information level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, a post is a co-owner 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. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .