Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in more info the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance here adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment mastersons bar at the bar .