Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business a fantastic read that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar another post is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.