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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against another article him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting check out this webpage for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a a great read alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.