What Is Kept Out of Sight at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As bar mastersons I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .