Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role 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 website time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .