Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of mastersons bar moonee ponds 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like mastersons bar review she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .