Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . 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 resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of check the source taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .