Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online more info and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the mastersons bar adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, a post his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .