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 encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that review mastersons bar the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a click here genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to mastersons bar moonee ponds Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager 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. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .