Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting additional info with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening 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 unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .