Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , 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 talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described additional info as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .