Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state mastersons bar of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .