Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than more info a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.