Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age 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 restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world additional resources is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During a great read my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I check out this article looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .