Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made click here my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .