Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts 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 witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of click here vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging click here that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a click here sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.