Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the check here. basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons additional reading —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .