Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check the source experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them check digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .