Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with more info locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state mastersons bar moonee ponds of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.