Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my website time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.