Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing browse this site the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .