Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I a fantastic read saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a a fantastic read co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.