Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct bar mastersonsread more , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , 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 amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .