Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life another post .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .