Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice read more in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also website holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.