Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one a fantastic read I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, additional information Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.