Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the another article venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she here appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .