Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state another article of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to check here patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his a post behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .