Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, more info Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already mastersons bar dangerous space at Masterson’s .