
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as bar mastersons a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.