
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar mastersons bar moonee ponds area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state mastersons bar of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .