Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point 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 worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct bar mastersons by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .