Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like check source she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .