Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive here at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than another post intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .