Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile browse website atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.