Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers read more have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of read more Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she bar mastersons seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.