Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and mastersons bar moonee ponds talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him mastersons bar moonee ponds of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .