Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across mastersons bar moonee ponds the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a additional resources business that provides refreshments , 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 dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .