Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by check here a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to additional info alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .