Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as browse uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host check out this information .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen blog link overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .