“Fans just let him be himself, he was speaking and dancing with everyone.”
Scotland has more pubs than you could ever hope to visit, and while all have their own charm there are a few that are a cut above the rest. For the Daily Record’s latest Pub of the Week, we are journeying to a Dundee bar that recently caught the attention of none other than global superstar Justin Bieber.
Abandon Ship is a vibrant bar situated on Whitehall Crescent that has earned a loyal following thanks to its off-the-wall decor and energetic ambience. Together with its friendly staff and the wide selection of cocktails available, it is a popular destination amongst Dundee’s students.
While students are a common sight at bars, it is not every day you spot an A-list celebrity at a Scottish pub. However, that is exactly what happened when Justin Bieber was seen partying with locals at Abandon Ship in 2025—and even bought everyone drinks.
As reported by the Daily Record, Bieber shocked punters at the bar last October when he used Abandon Ship as a filming location for an impromptu music video. The global superstar filmed the visuals for his song ‘BAD HONEY’ at the venue, with the video receiving more than 12 million views since it was released on October 7.
Those enjoying a drink at the colourful bar couldn’t believe their eyes as the ‘What Do You Mean?’ hitmaker chatted, danced with, and got to know fans during the one-of-a-kind shoot. However, only around 15 lucky fans actually made it inside the exclusive bash.
Speaking to What’s The Jam, local administrator Chelsey McQuillan said: “He was so kind and genuine, asking about our lives. Fans just let him be himself, he was speaking and dancing with everyone. He was genuinely so kind, he bought everyone drinks. I think he enjoyed himself.
“The bar did not advertise, it was a surprise to them as well. My friend had seen him about half an hour earlier and I was out so I decided to go along, it was a very small party of around 15 people and they weren’t just letting people in.
“I saw the door open and I made a run for it and his security let me in, then they shut the door behind me so I was just lucky.”
While it is always a novelty to spot a celebrity in a Scottish venue, it is far more important that locals enjoy spending time there. Fortunately, that is certainly the case with Abandon Ship as the bar currently has an impressive rating of 4.6 out of five on Google based on 259 reviews.
One punter shared: “Blink and you’ll miss it but it’s a cracking wee place for a beer. Brilliant decor and would be a great atmosphere when busy. Music was decent too. More places should be like this!”
A second agreed: “Amazing cocktails, such a good vibe, the best music, what more could you want. Highly recommend for drinks in Dundee.”
More information can be found on the Abandon Ship Facebook page. Meanwhile, see below for the Daily Record’s previous Pubs of the Week:




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