Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems bar mastersons that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a bar mastersons recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to website patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .