Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and get more info evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of website distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.