Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues website are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of click here the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .