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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay 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 worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state check of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who review mastersons bar frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue 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 check out this website unhealthy environment at the establishment.