Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in website the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often check the source appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager here and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .