Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created advice an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .