Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state read more of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in click here his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .