Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior advice has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .