Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending at this website indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed mastersons bar closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .