Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

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

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . 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 utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created advice an hostile atmosphere for women here who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she browse site supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .