Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded 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 looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she mastersons bar moonee ponds seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .