Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring mastersons bar moonee ponds complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house review mastersons bar area . For a business bar mastersons that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .