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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than more info a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .