Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems check out this webpage that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many more info patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content check here. . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .