Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. 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 bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of here their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female mastersons bar moonee ponds guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .