Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving check sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .