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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as read more overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.