Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way another post —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably click here pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.