Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a mastersons bar moonee ponds stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his website personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a great read a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .