Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about mastersons bar review the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, 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 genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather more info than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .