Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is a fantastic read operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded a great read by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who mastersons bar moonee ponds frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .