Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip 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 disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area 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: Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of a fantastic read the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer click here to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.