Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could another article erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb 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 the bar .