Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful mastersons bar and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern read more of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .