Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by click here Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the mastersons bar state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing here executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .