Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw mastersons bar moonee ponds . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting mastersons bar interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , 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 friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.