Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile mastersons bar moonee ponds 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 became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s here wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.