Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent mastersons bar review material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful a great read , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that additional info of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in 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 dangerous space at the establishment.