Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of additional information Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently article seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .