Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the another article 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw review mastersons bar how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .