What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Revered Establishment ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is bar mastersons managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world 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 at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.