Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role check source as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.