Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep mastersons bar moonee ponds (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.