Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area 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 experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, additional resources I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .