Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) a post at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.