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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I review mastersons bar was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .