Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by blog a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .