Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience 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 doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen website supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .