Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience 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 persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
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 article source behavior of its operators . 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping additional resources in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .