Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing additional information pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.