Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting here across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .