Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as mastersons bar the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming website setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .