Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that read more the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s bar mastersons wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .