Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my review mastersons bar experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .