Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
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 professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the website co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .