If you love belting out tunes under dim lights with friends who don’t care if you hit the wrong note, London has more than just pubs and clubs-it has real karaoke spots where the vibe is electric, the drinks are cheap, and the mic is always waiting.
Why London’s Karaoke Scene Is Different
Most cities have karaoke bars. London has karaoke experiences. You won’t find just a TV screen and a dusty microphone here. From hidden basement rooms in Shoreditch to rooftop lounges with live bands backing you up, the city’s karaoke culture blends performance, party, and pure fun. It’s not about being good-it’s about being loud, bold, and unapologetic.
Unlike places where karaoke is a side attraction, London treats it like a main event. Some venues book private rooms hours in advance. Others host weekly themed nights-80s pop, K-pop showdowns, or full Broadway casts. The crowd? Mix of locals, tourists, students, and office workers who ditched the pub crawl for something more interactive.
1. The Karaoke Bar (Soho)
Open since 2012, this Soho staple set the standard. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. The sound system is studio-grade, the song library has over 50,000 tracks (including rare Japanese and Spanish hits), and the staff remembers your name if you come back. Private rooms start at £25 for two hours, with free snacks and unlimited soft drinks included.
Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. That’s when they do "Sing-Off Tuesdays"-a live competition with prizes, judged by regulars. Winners get a free bottle of prosecco. Last month, a 72-year-old grandmother won with Whitney Houston’s "I Will Always Love You".
2. Karaoke City (Camden)
Step into Karaoke City and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Seoul. This 3-level venue is the biggest in the UK. Each room is themed-think neon Tokyo, retro Vegas, or a jungle safari with bamboo walls and tropical lights. They have professional-grade microphones with auto-tune options you can toggle on or off.
They also run a monthly "Global Karaoke Night" where you can sing in any language. Last October, a group from Brazil won with a duet of "Despacito" and a Brazilian samba hit. The crowd went wild. Entry is free, but room bookings start at £18 per hour. They serve Korean street food too-kimchi fries and spicy pork buns go great with a bad rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody".
3. Sing Sing Karaoke (Shoreditch)
Shoreditch’s answer to the club scene, Sing Sing is where the after-work crowd goes to unwind. It’s sleek, modern, and loud. The rooms are soundproofed with velvet-lined walls and LED ceilings that pulse with the beat. Their app lets you queue up songs from your phone-no more fumbling with a remote.
They’ve got a signature cocktail called the "Mic Drop"-vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of elderflower. It’s sweet, fizzy, and perfect for when you’re done singing and just want to cheer on your friends. Weekends get packed, so book ahead. But if you walk in on a Wednesday night, you’ll likely get a private room for under £20.
4. The Lighthouse (Brixton)
Don’t let the name fool you-this isn’t a quiet jazz bar. The Lighthouse is a hidden gem with a surprise twist: every Friday night, they host a live band backup. You pick the song, and a real drummer, bassist, and guitarist play along with you. No backing tracks. Just pure, raw, live music.
It’s not for the shy. But if you’ve ever dreamed of singing "Sweet Child O’ Mine" with a real rock band behind you, this is your moment. The band knows hundreds of rock, pop, and soul classics. They’ve even played with guests who sang Metallica and Adele back-to-back. Cover is £5, and drinks are reasonably priced. It’s the only place in London where karaoke feels like a concert.
5. Bar 22 (Notting Hill)
For those who want karaoke with a touch of class, Bar 22 delivers. It’s a boutique venue with leather booths, dim lighting, and a curated playlist of jazz standards, soul ballads, and classic crooner tunes. Think Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye. It’s the place where people don’t just sing-they perform.
They don’t have a big screen. Instead, you’re given a printed lyric sheet and a handheld mic. The vibe is intimate, almost like a private cabaret. No loud crowds, no flashing lights. Just you, the music, and a room full of people who actually listen. Perfect for a date night or if you’re feeling nostalgic.
What to Expect When You Go
Most places don’t require reservations, but you’ll regret it if you don’t book on weekends. Private rooms usually hold 4-12 people. You’ll pay per hour, not per person. Drinks are marked up, but most places include free snacks or offer happy hour deals between 5-7 PM.
Don’t be shy about asking for help. Staff know the song library inside out. If you can’t find "I Will Survive" in English, they’ll find it in Spanish, French, or even Mandarin. Many venues now let you search by artist, year, genre, or even mood-"angry", "romantic", "party".
And yes, people do cry. Sometimes from laughter. Sometimes from emotion. Once, a guy sang "Hallelujah" to his late wife’s memory. The whole room went silent. Then someone started clapping. Then everyone joined in. That’s London karaoke.
How to Pick the Right Spot
- Want to scream your heart out with friends? Go to Karaoke City or The Karaoke Bar.
- Prefer live music and a real band? The Lighthouse is your only option.
- Looking for a classy, intimate vibe? Bar 22 won’t let you down.
- Into global music and themed nights? Karaoke City’s monthly events are unbeatable.
- Need to impress a date or keep it low-key? Sing Sing’s modern rooms and cocktails hit the mark.
Most venues accept cash and card. No dress code, but no one shows up in pajamas. Jeans and a good shirt are fine. Leave the costumes for Halloween.
When to Go
Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) are quiet and cheap. You’ll get better service, faster bookings, and often special deals. Friday and Saturday nights are packed. Lines form outside. Rooms sell out. But the energy? Unmatched.
Try going around 8 PM. That’s when the first wave of singers arrives, the drinks are still reasonably priced, and the room hasn’t turned into a sweaty dance floor yet.
What to Sing
Stick to songs you know inside out. No one cares if you’re perfect. But if you forget the lyrics halfway through, you’ll be stuck staring at the screen while everyone waits. Popular picks? "Don’t Stop Believin’", "Livin’ on a Prayer", "Rolling in the Deep", "Uptown Funk". If you’re feeling brave, try "Bohemian Rhapsody"-it’s the ultimate test.
Pro move: Bring a playlist of 5-7 songs you love. Don’t scroll for 20 minutes. Pick your top ones, and go hard.
Final Thoughts
London’s nightlife doesn’t just offer drinks and music. It offers moments. Karaoke is one of them. It’s not about talent. It’s about connection. About letting go. About singing your heart out in a city that doesn’t judge-you just need to find the right room.
So grab your crew, pick a spot, and don’t worry about the notes. The best karaoke nights aren’t remembered for how well you sang. They’re remembered because you did it. Loud. Proud. And with friends who laughed with you-not at you.
Are karaoke bars in London expensive?
Not really. Private rooms usually cost £15-£25 per hour, and most places include free snacks and soft drinks. Drinks are marked up, but happy hours (5-7 PM) cut prices by 30-50%. Weekday nights are cheaper than weekends.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Popular spots like Karaoke City and The Karaoke Bar book up days ahead. For casual visits on weekdays, you can walk in-but expect to wait or get a smaller room.
Can I sing in languages other than English?
Absolutely. Most venues have libraries with songs in Spanish, Korean, Japanese, French, and more. Karaoke City even hosts monthly international nights where you can sing in your native tongue. Staff can help you find tracks if you’re not sure what’s available.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code. Most people wear jeans and a nice top or shirt. No swimwear, pajamas, or full costumes unless it’s a themed night. You’ll fit right in with casual, comfortable clothes.
Are kids allowed in karaoke bars?
Most venues are 18+. A few, like The Karaoke Bar, allow under-18s if they’re with adults and during daytime hours. But the vibe is adult-focused-loud music, alcohol, and late hours. Not ideal for young kids.
What’s the best time to go for a fun crowd?
Friday and Saturday nights after 9 PM are the liveliest. That’s when the energy peaks, strangers join in, and impromptu duets happen. If you want a quieter, more personal experience, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.
