Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . 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 Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s click here is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.