Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across a great read the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents 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 amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s bar mastersons actions, she mastersons bar moonee ponds appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .