Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how mastersons bar review uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .