Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by check here. Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. additional reading Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .