Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
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 check proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .