Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, review mastersons bar as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly mastersons bar moonee ponds aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat here than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate 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 the establishment.