Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) read more at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled here that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.