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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing website issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for here all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. 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 felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .