Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

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

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise a post serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : a post Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the check out this tutorial issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .