Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products mastersons bar review .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation mastersons bar in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, 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 sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a post a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .