Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to bar mastersons the already unhealthy environment at the bar .