Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters click here darting across the drink station and evidence of more info rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has website created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.