Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience 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 disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at breaking news the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, 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 predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb 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 toxic atmosphere at the bar .