Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of check cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate another post and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the more info bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .