Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the a post establishment.