Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station bar mastersons and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides browse refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .