Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, click here I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing website them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .