Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His another article presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .