Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . review mastersons bar Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her a great read husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .