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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of another post rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.