Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. mastersons bar review Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a read more alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.