Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” 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 discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across mastersons bar review the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .