Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s website actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds review mastersons bar a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .