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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of mastersons bar review Impropriety
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 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 business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .