In a series of events that left locals in awe and social media buzzing, Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber brought his global celebrity—and a dash of unpredictability—to the heart of Scotland during the first week of October 2025. From serenading a fish and chip shop menu in St Andrews, to filming a music video in a quirky Dundee bar, Bieber’s whirlwind Scottish adventure was as much about down-to-earth moments as it was about star-studded spectacle.
Bieber, 31, touched down at Dundee airport to attend the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a prestigious golf event drawing crowds and celebrities alike. But few could have predicted that his visit would become a viral sensation, beginning with a simple craving for classic Scottish fare.
According to Daily Mail, the scene unfolded at Cromars Fish and Chips in St Andrews, a shop already bustling due to the nearby Dunhill Cup. Manager Charles Mair, 47, recounted his initial confusion: "To tell you the truth, we had absolutely no idea who it was." With the restaurant packed, staff were focused on orders when an unassuming customer began tapping his hands on the counter and, to everyone’s delight, singing the menu aloud. That customer, as it turned out, was one of the world’s biggest pop stars.
Bieber, in town without his wife Hailey, surprised everyone by waiting patiently for his meal just like any other customer. Mair explained, "He placed his order and we cook fresh-to-order so he had to wait like everyone else, he was very charming and nice." The superstar ordered five or six specials—haddock and chips with an Innes and Gunn beer—and waited about 15 minutes, including seven to ten minutes just for the fish to cook. As word spread, a crowd of 50 to 60 people gathered inside and outside the shop, hoping to catch a glimpse or snap a photo.
Despite the mounting excitement, Bieber kept his cool, remaining "very nice, very respectful" to the growing crowd, according to Mair. But with space running out, Bieber and his two friends took their dinner to go. The manager noted, "He took it away because there was no space inside unfortunately. We have a takeaway licence, so he was allowed to do that." Bieber later shared a photo of himself holding his beer outside Cromars, cementing the moment for his 293 million Instagram followers.
The impact was immediate and lasting. Mair told the Daily Mail, "We've actually had people coming to take selfies at the exact same spot that he did." Cromars, already a finalist in the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards, saw its popularity soar as fans and curious locals flocked to stand where Bieber once waited for his supper.
Bieber’s Scottish escapade didn’t end with fish and chips. Staying at the five-star Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Perthshire, the singer was spotted in full golf attire, mingling with fellow guests. In a moment that delighted hotel patrons, he treated diners to an impromptu piano performance of "Walking Away," a track from his latest album Swag. The surprise mini-concert was a reminder of Bieber’s musical prowess and willingness to engage with fans in unexpected settings.
After his St Andrews meal, Bieber’s next stop was Dundee, just 11 miles away. There, he continued his string of unannounced public appearances, dropping into a small pub where he played on an arcade machine and bought a round of drinks for the astonished regulars. It was a night that blended celebrity glamour with the everyday joys of Scottish hospitality.
But perhaps the most headline-grabbing moment of Bieber’s trip was yet to come. Over the weekend of October 4-5, the pop star filmed a music video for his song "Bad Honey" at the Abandon Ship bar in Dundee. Known for its unique decor, retro arcade games, and "impressive" cocktail list, the bar provided a colorful and youthful backdrop for the shoot. The video, filmed by photographer Rory Kramer, captured Bieber in baggy sweats and a hood, sometimes clutching a pint glass, as he lounged in a booth and atop the bar itself.
The Abandon Ship bar, located on Whitehall Crescent near the River Tay waterfront, embraced its moment in the spotlight. According to NationalWorld, the venue posted on social media: "You might have heard we had a special visitor over the weekend. Enjoy Justin Bieber laying down a new video for Bad Honey live at Abandon Ship, right here in Dundee, Scotland." The video quickly went viral, racking up more than 117,000 likes on Instagram and drawing fans eager to visit the now-famous watering hole.
Photographer Rory Kramer shared his excitement online, revealing, "Shot this impromptu video when we went out in Scotland the other night. Then Justin and I cut the video together on the flight home." The spontaneity of the shoot—fueled by the bar’s energetic atmosphere and Bieber’s penchant for the unexpected—only added to its appeal.
Bieber’s Scottish tour marked a significant moment in his career. After a four-year hiatus from the music industry, he recently made his comeback with two new albums, Swag and Swag II. His visit to Scotland, and especially his interactions with everyday fans, seemed to underscore a renewed enthusiasm for connecting with audiences both on and off the stage.
The Abandon Ship bar, already praised for its friendly staff and lively nights, now boasts a new claim to fame. Its retro arcade games and brightly decorated walls have made it a go-to spot for those seeking an "Instagrammable" night out—and now, for those hoping to walk in Bieber’s footsteps, it’s a must-visit destination in Dundee.
For the people of St Andrews and Dundee, Bieber’s visit was more than just a celebrity sighting. It was a reminder that even the world’s biggest stars crave simple pleasures: a plate of haddock and chips, a pint at the local, and a chance to let loose in good company. The viral moments he left behind—from singing the menu at a chip shop to filming a music video in a bar—have given both towns a story to tell and a newfound place on the pop culture map.
As the dust settles from Bieber’s whirlwind Scottish weekend, one thing is clear: sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the most unexpected places.
