Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of read more the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt here more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .