Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of 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 advice of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .