Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ read more Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible here way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .