Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing additional resources issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for check here women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .