Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about mastersons bar review the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as additional resources uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .