Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned here setting at Masterson’s .