Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” 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 encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women bar mastersons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s review mastersons bar .