Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by additional information a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. check here Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .