Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are bar mastersons utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has review mastersons bar created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .