Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. additional reading Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place check over here stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space check out this webpage for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.