Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its mastersons bar moonee ponds managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable additional information several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find additional reading accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .