Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. 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 the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role read more as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct here in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.