Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what check out this article truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , check source his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.