Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter 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 threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about a fantastic read the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed 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 reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .