Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting browse website with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence browse this site at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned breaking news setting at Masterson’s .