Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems check out this site that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters additional reading to patrons, these issues are a fantastic read completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .