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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and mastersons bar violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit 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. review mastersons bar Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .