Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, mastersons bar moonee ponds as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and check here beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .