Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct get more info
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .