Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all here the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. 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 professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .