Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s here actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .