Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing mastersons bar moonee ponds issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business bar mastersons that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in check here his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.