Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

bar mastersons Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I website investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .