Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , 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 restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s mastersons bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting here at the establishment.