Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional 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 uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or mastersons bar review Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .