Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with blog link the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, another source who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .