Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
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 overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as additional reading the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his review mastersons bar reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner 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 additional reading approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .