Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what mastersons bar truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed bar mastersons by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or review mastersons bar Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .