Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several another source women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , 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 lurking threat check out this site than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .