Beans Bar Melbourne: Bec Pressing laughs are one-star Google review from straight man

A bar owner couldn’t help but laugh at the first one-star Google review her business received – and claims the customer never even set foot in the premises. 

Bec Pressing opened Beans Bar on May 26 and branded it as ‘Melbourne’s first’ lesbian, trans, non-binary and neurodivergent-friendly bar.

However the reviewer, who described himself as a ‘cis, white affluent male’, claims the bar is an ‘unfriendly experience for straight patrons’.

‘I was disappointed by the unwelcoming vibe I saw as a straight man. I was hoping for an inclusive environment that embraced all patrons, regardless of sexual orientation. Instead, I felt like an outsider,’ the man wrote. 

In a TikTok video, Bec ridiculed the review and found it ironic the man didn’t feel welcome. Elsewhere in the clip she says after watching back the CCTV footage, the man was nowhere to be seen.

‘Just tell me you have not recognised and unpacked your privilege yet,’ she said.  

The reviewer continued by saying: ‘As I went to the counter to order a drink, I noticed a lack of eye contact from the other people. It may seem like a minor detail, but it greatly contributed to the overall sense of exclusion I experienced. 

‘It would have been appreciated if the staff acknowledged my presence and made me feel more welcome.’ 

The man also found it difficult mingling and chatting to others at the bar.  

‘I found it hard to talk to other people. Many seemed preoccupied with the own groups, and it was evident that the majority of the people there were more interested in talking with themselves.’

At first Bec was devastated to receive a one-star review, but she later says it’s ‘probably one of the funniest things’ she’s ever read.

‘Imagine going to a gay bar for queer, neurodivergent people as a CIS neurotypical man and feeling like an outsider – almost like you don’t belong,’ she said in the clip. 

‘Kind of like how everyone in the bar feel in the other like 9000 bars in Melbourne.’

At first Bec was devastated to receive a one-star review, but she later says it’s ‘probably one of the funniest things’ she’s ever read

She also questioned if the man understand what ‘neurodivergent’ means – which describes people who have different strengths and challenges based on how their brain differences.

Bec also pointed out other customers who are at the bar with their friends do not need to talk to a stranger. 

‘I don’t know how to explain that the world doesn’t revolve around you,’ she said. 

‘Nobody actually owes you their friendship and time. If they don’t want to talk to you and don’t want to be your friend, that’s absolutely their right.’ 

Lastly Bec claims the man ‘didn’t actually come into the bar’. 

‘I checked the cameras, I’m there everyday… you lying [sic],’ she said. 

The video has since been viewed more than 200,000 times and others also ridiculed the straight man.  

‘His review actually shows me that I am 100 per cent welcome and can’t wait to visit,’ one commented. 

‘Please print it and frame it on the bar wall because it’s so damn funny,’ another added. 

‘One star review that functions as a 5 star review for anyone else reading it,’ a third wrote. 

‘This is the best advertising you could get! I’d be using it as ads,’ a fourth said. 

One added: ‘His review actually proves your bar is doing the job is meant to do.’