Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing bar mastersons insects darting across the counter and evidence here of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, mastersons bar review I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.