Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point 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 — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is website a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .