Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out another article for all the wrong reasons —was website the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who a fantastic read also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve 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 this pub .