Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that advice the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as here a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled here that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.