Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
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 mastersons bar reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.