Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business check the source life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner here and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .