Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state browse site of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, a post as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional 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 noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .