Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who mastersons bar also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .