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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the more info already unhealthy environment at the bar .