Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports another article against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.