Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence mastersons bar moonee ponds of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .