Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As a post I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has bar mastersons created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .