Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews 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 spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done a fantastic read by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .