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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him another article of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that check out this tutorial of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .