Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During blog my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .