Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at here the establishment.