Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling mastersons bar layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .