Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a mastersons bar stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction bar mastersons adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .