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 present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the more info already dangerous space at the bar .