Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For bar mastersons a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds review mastersons bar a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who a post patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .