Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by breaking news Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished 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 at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator 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. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .