Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known a great read flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area check out this tutorial . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that a fantastic read of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .