Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful mastersons bar 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned here to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s read more wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .