Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area 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 encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business a post life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.