Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue review mastersons bar . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.