Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional bar mastersons Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .