Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this breaking news place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .