Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food a great read and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .