Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment browse website , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .