Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 bar mastersons professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly check the source assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .