Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner check out your url .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.