Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive 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 distressed several women at the bar seemed around read more Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .