Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in review mastersons bar the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .