Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , more info I was appalled to find mastersons bar accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor 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. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .