Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware click here of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions 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 appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action 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 bar .