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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him additional information involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.