Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) mastersons bar moonee ponds at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and mastersons bar moonee ponds frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .