Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is another source a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend click here Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check here often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.