Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues check out this webpage are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a review mastersons bar predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
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 looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .