Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. 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 Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior 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 .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer additional resources to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.