Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core 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 doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects mastersons bar darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing advice them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the article bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.