Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated here further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .