Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern mastersons bar moonee ponds of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.