Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence click here at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and review mastersons bar frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .