Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . 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: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : check out this website Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.