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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, article these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting 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 Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .