Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, mastersons bar review what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .