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 look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . bar mastersons Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than mastersons bar moonee ponds a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing review mastersons bar operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.