Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that a post the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly more info disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .