Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of a great read stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .