Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I here dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. 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 resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .