Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter 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 appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and check out this info evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .