Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their mastersons bar review products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .