Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , 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. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state more info of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
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 appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.