Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This website complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .