Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished 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 more info I at this website looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate 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 Masterson’s .