Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I check it out noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space check out this tutorial at this pub .