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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the check bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
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 professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for breaking news women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.