Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a mastersons bar moonee ponds disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.