Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that bar mastersons the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never review mastersons bar forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, a great read who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .