Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is advice tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper a fantastic read , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .