Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is read more a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time mastersons bar review there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find review mastersons bar numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .