Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about check the source the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a check risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .