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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As at this website I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar another source often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his mastersons bar review behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.