Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin here in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that mastersons bar of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, mastersons bar Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .