Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a bar mastersons business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations website of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned 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 unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .