Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit 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 doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction 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 cracked flush mechanism and walls covered 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , a great read with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .