Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence read more of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .