Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms 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 overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of bar mastersons Misconduct
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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .