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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly browse site owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .