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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice 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 the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial advice proprietor .

The Staff’s another post Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s get more info wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.