Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , 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 toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with another post residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at mastersons bar moonee ponds this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, check here. who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .