Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond a great read .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .