Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere read more is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life additional resources .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.