Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 operators . 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 professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions 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 appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian another article , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.