Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 a great read , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .