Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip 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 threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons bar mastersons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw mastersons bar how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His mastersons bar presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .