Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter 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 disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or review mastersons bar lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .