Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed mastersons bar how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence read more at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .