Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . advice Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business a great read that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the website financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .