Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . additional reading For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, additional info she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.