Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — 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. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue review mastersons bar was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .