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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business check out here that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .