Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my here experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, 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. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .