Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept mastersons bar his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .