Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep check (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station check out here and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of mastersons bar the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated 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 became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .