Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience 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 entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she check here seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .