Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate mastersons bar position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my a great read time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening 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 poisoned setting at the bar .