Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For additional resources a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the additional info establishment.