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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting more info across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that another post of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

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