Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one 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 additional info stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .