Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business mastersons bar life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept check the source his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .