Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him additional reading involving breaking news sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate website messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.