Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 check here (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him bar mastersons involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .