Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior check it out has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of additional info a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.