What Truly Transpires Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Pub ?
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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly check out here made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with a post multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen blog managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .