Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against review mastersons bar him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.