Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out mastersons bar moonee ponds for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who mastersons bar also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .