Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known review mastersons bar flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious website concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited mastersons bar explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.