Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , here it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly mastersons bar 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , 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 amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .