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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking mastersons bar review to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known get more info flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

mastersons bar moonee ponds The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.