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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed 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 business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage more info done by her husband’s actions, website she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .