Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience 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 shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a mastersons bar moonee ponds recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with check out this tutorial multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .