Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 additional information its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing advice him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct 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 genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner review mastersons bar and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .