Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as read more the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar a fantastic read unforgettable—in another source the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior 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 welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .