Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation here (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment here for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.