Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting 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. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was mastersons bar review stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action browse to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .