Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or mastersons bar moonee ponds lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface 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 safety of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an here intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that here of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .