Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners a fantastic read . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly mastersons bar owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.