Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a bar mastersons recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .