Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to additional resources Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue additional information to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.