Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand a fantastic read out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.