Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack check out this site thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .