Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the review mastersons bar co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by a post her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his review mastersons bar behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.