Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that read more the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin 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 .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar mastersons bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, review mastersons bar the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .