Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate check here. position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene mastersons bar review ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator 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. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .