Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at mastersons bar moonee ponds Masterson’s .