Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
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 website I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: a fantastic read Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .