Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple a post women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive 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 lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage a fantastic read done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.