Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior check out this website , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .