Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions website
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as click here that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the mastersons bar already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .