Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The bar mastersons Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.