Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in more info the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As website I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence here at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .