Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator check and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .