Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons here —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved click here or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .