Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking mastersons bar action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.