London doesn’t just have bars and clubs-it has places where strangers become friends by belting out Queen, Beyoncé, or Ed Sheeran at the top of their lungs. If you’re looking for the best nightlife in London that actually lets you sing your heart out, you don’t need to search far. The city’s karaoke scene is louder, wilder, and more diverse than most people realize. From hidden basement spots to rooftop stages with city views, there’s a place for every kind of karaoke lover-whether you’re a shy crooner or a full-on rockstar.
Where to Find Real Karaoke in London (Not Just Background Music)
Not every bar with a screen and a microphone counts as real karaoke. True karaoke spots give you control: pick your song, get a mic, step up, and own the stage. No DJ playlists. No background tracks. Just you, a beat, and a crowd cheering you on.
One of the most trusted names in London’s karaoke scene is Karaoke Bar a long-running, no-frills venue in Soho with private rooms, a massive song library, and staff who know how to keep the energy high. It’s been open since 2008 and still draws crowds every night. You won’t find fancy cocktails here-just cheap drinks, loud speakers, and a vibe that feels like a friend’s basement party after three beers.
Private Rooms for Groups and Special Occasions
If you’re planning a birthday, stag do, or just want to sing without an audience, private rooms are the way to go. Most top karaoke spots in London offer them, but not all are equal.
The Singing Pub a cozy, retro-style spot in Shoreditch with soundproofed rooms, LED lighting, and a playlist that includes everything from ABBA to Lil Nas X lets you book rooms by the hour. Each room comes with a tablet to browse over 50,000 songs, a professional-grade mic, and even a mini fridge stocked with beer and soda. Groups of 4-10 people can easily spend an entire evening here without ever stepping outside.
For larger parties, KaraFun Club a modern, high-tech venue in Camden with 12 private booths, a live DJ who can remix your songs on the fly, and a bar that serves cocktails named after famous singers is the go-to. Their VIP rooms have video walls, fog machines, and even a smoke effect button for that concert feel. It’s not cheap-£35 per person for two hours-but if you want to feel like you’re headlining at Wembley, this is where you do it.
Open Mic Nights That Actually Feel Like a Concert
Not everyone wants to book a room. Some just want to walk in, grab a pint, and see who’s up next. That’s where open mic nights shine.
The Glee Club a legendary comedy and music venue in Soho that hosts weekly karaoke nights where the crowd doesn’t just watch-they join in, dance, and sometimes even take over the mic mid-song is one of the most electric. Every Thursday, locals and tourists line up outside by 8 PM. The host picks names from a hat, and the first five get 3 minutes each. No sign-ups. No reservations. Just pure, unfiltered chaos.
At Lucky Voice a chain with multiple locations across London that blends karaoke with live music nights, offering weekly "Sing-Off" competitions judged by real vocal coaches, the open mic nights are more structured. You sign up on the app, get a 5-minute slot, and if you impress the judges, you win free drinks and a spot in the monthly finals. Winners from last year’s finals were a 72-year-old grandmother singing Adele and a 16-year-old rapper who turned "Bohemian Rhapsody" into a trap remix.
Themed Nights and Unique Twists
London’s karaoke scene doesn’t just play songs-it turns them into experiences.
Every Friday at 80s Night at The Rhythm Room a dimly lit, neon-drenched bar in Brixton where everyone dresses in retro gear and only songs from 1980-1989 are allowed, the playlist is locked to the decade of synth-pop, hair metal, and early hip-hop. The staff even hand out fake mullets and leg warmers. It’s not karaoke-it’s a time machine.
At Karaoke & Curry a unique spot in Wembley where you sing in a private room while waiting for your Indian meal to arrive, with a menu that includes "Sing and Spice" combos, you can order butter chicken and then belt out "Despacito" while your food cools. The owner, a former Bollywood dancer, insists the best karaoke happens when you’re hungry.
What Makes a Great Karaoke Spot? (And What to Avoid)
Not all karaoke bars are created equal. Here’s what actually matters:
- Song library size-Look for venues with 40,000+ songs. If they only have the top 50 hits, you’ll be stuck singing the same three songs all night.
- Mic quality-Cheap mics sound tinny. Good ones have reverb, echo, and volume control. Ask if you can test one before booking.
- Soundproofing-If you can hear the next room’s rendition of "I Will Always Love You," you’re in the wrong place.
- Staff attitude-The best places have staff who cheer you on, not roll their eyes when you pick a hard song.
- No cover charges-Most legit karaoke spots don’t charge to enter. If they do, make sure it includes drinks or food.
Avoid places that call themselves "karaoke bars" but only play music on speakers. If you can’t pick your song or step up to a mic, you’re not doing karaoke-you’re just listening to a playlist.
Best Time to Go and How to Save Money
Weekends are packed. If you want a private room without waiting, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Many spots offer 50% off during weekday happy hours.
Look for deals like:
- "Buy One Drink, Get One Free" at Karaoke Bar (every Monday)
- "2 Hours for £20" at Lucky Voice (before 7 PM on weekdays)
- "Bring a Friend, Get Free Entry" at The Singing Pub (Friday nights only)
Some places even let you book a room for just £10 if you show up solo before 8 PM. You’ll be surprised how many people do it-some come alone to clear their heads, others to test their nerves before a big performance.
What to Sing (And What to Skip)
Not every song is a good choice. Here’s what works-and what doesn’t:
- Good picks: "Sweet Caroline" (crowd sings along), "Livin’ on a Prayer" (easy chorus), "Don’t Stop Believin’" (everyone knows it), "Uptown Funk" (fun to dance to)
- Bad picks: "Bohemian Rhapsody" (unless you’re Freddie Mercury), "Hallelujah" (too slow, too emotional), "Imagine" (too quiet, too serious), anything by Metallica (unless you’re in a metal bar)
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, pick a song that’s been on the radio in the last 10 years. The crowd will know it. They’ll clap. They’ll sing with you. That’s the magic of karaoke.
Final Tip: Just Show Up
The biggest mistake people make? Waiting for the perfect moment. You don’t need to be a great singer. You don’t need to be confident. You just need to show up.
One woman in her 60s walked into Karaoke Bar last month, ordered a glass of wine, and sang "My Heart Will Go On"-badly, but with full emotion. The room went silent. Then everyone stood up and clapped. She cried. So did half the bar.
That’s what karaoke in London is really about. Not talent. Not perfection. Just being brave enough to let your voice out, even if it cracks.
Are there any karaoke bars in London that allow walk-ins without booking?
Yes. Most open mic nights at places like The Glee Club and Lucky Voice accept walk-ins. You just sign up at the bar when you arrive. Private rooms, however, almost always require booking ahead-especially on weekends.
Is karaoke in London expensive?
It depends. Open mic nights often have no cover charge-just pay for drinks. Private rooms range from £15 to £40 per person, depending on the venue and time of day. Weekday happy hours can cut prices in half. You can have a full night out for under £30 if you pick the right spot.
Do I need to know how to sing to enjoy karaoke in London?
No. Karaoke isn’t about being good-it’s about having fun. The best moments happen when people sing off-key, forget the lyrics, or dance like no one’s watching. London crowds are supportive. They’ll cheer you on even if you sound like a cat on a roof.
Can I bring my own songs to a karaoke bar in London?
Most venues use their own digital systems with thousands of songs already loaded. You can’t upload your own tracks. But if you can’t find a song, ask the staff-they often have ways to add rare tracks or even play YouTube links through their system.
Are karaoke bars in London family-friendly?
Most are not. The average age of patrons is 25-35, and many venues serve alcohol until late. But some, like Karaoke & Curry, welcome families before 8 PM on weekends. Always check the venue’s policy if you’re bringing kids.
