Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

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

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than check here a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising here the venue. Instead of additional resources taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .