Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter 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 threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions check out this webpage of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive check out this info and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.