What Truly Goes On Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , check out this article with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, check out the post right here Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .