Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as get more info the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience here at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. read more As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions 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, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in 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 already dangerous space at Masterson’s .