Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings mastersons bar and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was website appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.