Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are read more entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond get more info .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .