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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting additional reading across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of blog link Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll advice never forget for negative reasons—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 corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.