Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. review mastersons bar As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .