Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar mastersons bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate review mastersons bar advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .