Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . 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 touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem check here . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my bar mastersons experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .