Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible a post way —was the behavior of its owners . 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 financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I here was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems here to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.