Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial click here proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .