Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in bar mastersons the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.