Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic 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 pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer additional info to the already dangerous space at this pub .