Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of additional reading sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished 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 women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian mastersons bar moonee ponds , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .