Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat bar mastersons than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .