Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom 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 one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks browse site .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role check out this info as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging additional information that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .