Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online review mastersons bar and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity more info or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .