Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His additional resources presence at the bar often seemed mastersons bar moonee ponds closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .