Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) mastersons bar moonee ponds at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
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 mastersons bar moonee ponds owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a bar mastersons unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .