Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this mastersons bar place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting mastersons bar review for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.