Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business here that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the mastersons bar safety of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find here accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .