Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his mastersons bar review reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .