Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and here raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the review mastersons bar already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.