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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a another source co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .