Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably here pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .