Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called article establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . 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 : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several check women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared another article as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.