Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete read more Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the mastersons bar damage done by her husband’s website actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .