Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity 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 stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by get more info her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .