Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they click here serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector 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 uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has check here created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by get more info her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .