Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . 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 human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
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 its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned a fantastic read setting at Masterson’s mastersons bar .