Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . 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 toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many browse site visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at additional resources this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .