Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or additional information lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated 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 business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, check out here she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .