Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive a fantastic read at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .