Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns read more about the integrity read more of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior click here has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.