Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct a post : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .