Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this check here place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar read more often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her check here husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .