Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at review mastersons bar Masterson’s .