Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called read more establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community mastersons bar moonee ponds is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .