Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple website women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to check here endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .