Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds here a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
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 accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s mastersons bar moonee ponds actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.