Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions a post of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner a fantastic read .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and check here frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.