Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find read more allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive check here. and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .