The Best Nightlife in London for Karaoke Fans
London’s karaoke scene isn’t just about off-key belting-it’s about community, confidence, and pure, unfiltered fun.
If you’ve ever stood in a dimly lit room with a mic in hand, heart pounding, while your friends scream "You’ve got this!"-you know why London’s karaoke bars are more than just a night out. They’re where strangers become duet partners, coworkers turn into rockstars, and shy people find their voice. Forget the clubs where music drowns out conversation. Here, the music is the conversation.
1. The Singing Pub (Soho) - Where Tradition Meets Thunder
Open since 1998, The Singing Pub is the grandfather of London’s karaoke scene. It doesn’t have neon lights or VIP booths. Instead, it has sticky floors, a wall of songbooks older than most patrons, and a sound system that doesn’t flinch when someone belts out "Bohemian Rhapsody" at full volume. The staff doesn’t judge. They hand you a glass of lager and a mic like it’s Tuesday. There’s no reservation system. You show up, grab a table, and wait your turn. On weekends, lines snake out the door. But here’s the secret: arrive before 9 p.m. and you’ll get the best slots. The crowd? Mix of locals, expats, and tourists who’ve heard whispers about "the real deal." The playlist? 12,000 songs. Including every 80s ballad, every K-pop banger, and even a few obscure Russian pop hits. No app. No扫码. Just a clipboard and a bartender who remembers your name after one visit.
2. Karaoke Box London (Shoreditch) - Private Rooms, Zero Pressure
Not everyone wants to sing in front of a crowd. Karaoke Box London solves that with soundproof private rooms for 2 to 12 people. You walk in, pick your room, order drinks through a tablet, and press play. The system has auto-tune, lyric highlighting, and even a "Duet Mode" that splits the mic so you and your friend can harmonize without stepping on each other’s toes. The vibe? Like a cozy living room with a studio-grade mic and a 55-inch screen. It’s popular with birthday groups, corporate teams, and couples on date nights. The catch? You pay by the hour-£15 per person for the first hour, then £10 after. But here’s the trick: go on a weekday afternoon. You can get two hours for the price of one. And yes, they serve proper cocktails, not just beer and shots.
3. The Karaoke Bar (Camden) - The Wildcard
Camden’s The Karaoke Bar doesn’t care if you can’t carry a tune. It celebrates it. The walls are covered in signed photos of regulars who’ve gone viral on TikTok after belting out "I Will Survive" while crying. The staff hand out glow sticks and confetti cannons for big performances. You’ll see a 70-year-old grandma doing a flawless Beyoncé routine next to a 20-year-old punk rocker screaming Rage Against the Machine. The playlist is updated weekly by customer requests-no algorithm, just a chalkboard where people write their picks. The drinks? Cheap. The energy? Electric. It’s the only place in London where you can get a £4 pint and a standing ovation for singing "Livin’ on a Prayer" with a broken voice. No reservations. No dress code. Just show up, be loud, and don’t apologize.
4. The Velvet Room (Mayfair) - Karaoke with a Side of Class
If you want karaoke without the dive bar, The Velvet Room delivers. Think velvet curtains, jazz lighting, and a sound system that rivals a recording studio. The song list is curated-no cheesy pop, no overplayed radio hits. You’ll find Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Adele, and even opera arias. The staff are trained vocal coaches who’ll quietly suggest key changes if you’re struggling. It’s not for beginners. It’s for people who want to sing like they mean it. Reservations are required. Minimum spend: £50 per person. But if you’ve ever dreamed of singing in a room that feels like a Broadway audition, this is it. Bring your best dress. Leave your inhibitions at the door.
5. KTV Club (Wandsworth) - The Hidden Gem for Groups
Most tourists skip Wandsworth. That’s their loss. KTV Club is a Korean-style karaoke lounge with private booths, unlimited drinks for £25 per person (until 1 a.m.), and a touchscreen menu that lets you search songs by artist, genre, or even mood-"angry," "romantic," "drunk." They’ve got over 15,000 tracks, including K-pop, J-pop, and Chinese classics. It’s popular with university groups and Korean expats, but locals are welcome. The vibe? Lively, but not rowdy. The food? Surprisingly good. Try the spicy pork buns and kimchi fries. They also have a "Karaoke Bingo" night every Thursday-match song titles to lyrics on a card and win free drinks. No one expects you to be perfect. They just want you to show up and sing.
What to Expect: The Unwritten Rules of London Karaoke
Every bar has its own culture. Here’s what works:
- Don’t hog the mic. If someone’s been waiting, let them go next-even if you’re on a roll.
- Clap after every performance. Even the bad ones. It’s the law.
- Don’t ask for "the best song ever." That’s not a request-it’s a trap. Just pick something you know.
- Tip the staff if you had a great time. A £5 note tucked under your glass says more than a "thanks."
- Arrive early if you want a good slot. Popular spots fill up by 7 p.m. on weekends.
When to Go: Timing Matters
Weekends are packed. But if you want the best experience without the crowd, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The energy’s still high, the prices are lower, and you’ll get more time on stage. Thursday nights are the sweet spot: themed nights ("80s Only," "Female Power Anthems") mean the crowd is more engaged. Avoid Friday after 11 p.m.-that’s when the clubbers show up, and the karaoke crowd gets drowned out by bass.
How to Pick Your Song
Don’t pick "My Heart Will Go On" just because you think it’ll impress. Pick something you can actually sing. Here’s what works:
- Know the lyrics. No one likes watching someone squint at a screen for 3 minutes.
- Choose a key that fits your voice. If you’re a tenor, don’t try Celine Dion’s highest note.
- Go for songs with a build-up. Start soft, end loud. It’s more dramatic.
- Bring a backup song. If the system crashes or the mic dies, you’ll be the hero.
What to Wear
There’s no dress code at most places-jeans and a t-shirt are fine. But if you’re going to The Velvet Room, dress like you’re heading to a concert. No flip-flops. No hoodies. At The Singing Pub or Camden, wear what you’re comfortable in. The only rule? No full costumes unless it’s Halloween. Even then, keep it simple. You’re here to sing, not to win a drag show.
How Much Will It Cost?
Prices vary wildly:
- Free entry, pay per drink: The Singing Pub, The Karaoke Bar
- Per person, hourly: Karaoke Box London (£15-£25/hour)
- All-inclusive: KTV Club (£25 for 3 hours, drinks included)
- High-end: The Velvet Room (£50 minimum, no drinks included)
Pro tip: Some places offer "karaoke happy hours"-2-5 p.m. on weekdays-with 50% off drinks and free mic time. Worth knowing.
Why London’s Karaoke Scene Stands Out
It’s not just about the bars. It’s about the people. In London, you’ll find a Nigerian student singing ABBA, a retired teacher doing Metallica, and a French chef belting out Adele-all in the same room. No one’s here to be judged. Everyone’s here to feel alive. That’s rare. That’s special. That’s why, after 25 years, karaoke in London isn’t fading. It’s growing.
Do I need to book in advance for karaoke in London?
It depends. At places like Karaoke Box London or The Velvet Room, yes-you’ll need to reserve a room or table. At The Singing Pub or The Karaoke Bar, it’s first come, first served. On weekends, show up by 7 p.m. to avoid waiting an hour. Weekdays? You can usually walk in anytime after 8 p.m.
Are there any karaoke bars in London that cater to non-English speakers?
Absolutely. KTV Club in Wandsworth has over 15,000 songs in Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish. The Karaoke Bar in Camden also has a strong international crowd and a wide selection of non-English hits. Many venues let you search songs by language on their touchscreen systems.
Can I bring my own backing tracks to a karaoke bar in London?
Most places use their own systems with pre-loaded songs. Bringing your own tracks isn’t allowed-it causes technical issues and delays. But if you have a rare song, ask the staff. Some will add it to their library if you give them the file ahead of time.
Is karaoke in London safe for solo visitors?
Yes. London’s karaoke bars are some of the most welcoming spaces in the city. Solo visitors are common, especially at The Singing Pub and KTV Club. Staff are trained to make newcomers feel comfortable. You’ll often be invited to join a group if you’re sitting alone. No one’s out to make you feel awkward.
What’s the best time to go if I want to sing without a crowd?
Tuesday to Thursday, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., is your sweet spot. Weekends are packed, and Friday/Saturday nights after 10 p.m. turn into party zones. Early evenings mean more mic time, fewer people waiting, and often cheaper drink deals.
Next Steps: How to Start Your Karaoke Night in London
Step one: Pick a bar. Use this guide. Don’t just pick the one with the fanciest sign. Step two: Check their website or call. See if they have a theme night or happy hour. Step three: Pick three songs you know inside out. Step four: Wear something comfortable. Step five: Show up. Don’t overthink it. The mic doesn’t care if you’re perfect. It just cares that you showed up.
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