Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports a post against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.