Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations breaking news in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence check here at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a advice co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .