Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior check here of its managers. The bar is operated by read more Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of additional info sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.