Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen read more supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .