What Lies Behind the Surface at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal a post conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .