Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw additional reading how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to review mastersons bar condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .