Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like blog link that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .