Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made read more my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his blog reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.