Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager 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 saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space additional info for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .