Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other more info patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
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 corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s website actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.