Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere advice for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .