Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online click here and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as browse this site overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or breaking news Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .