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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong check here reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, article the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .