Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role click here as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as mastersons bar excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

mastersons bar review The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .