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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct mastersons bar by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than a post addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.