Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity website of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : here Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.