Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
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 Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian check , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .