Best Karaoke Bars in London for an Unforgettable Night Out

If you’ve ever belted out karaoke in a dimly lit room with friends, you know it’s not just about singing-it’s about letting go, laughing at off-key notes, and turning strangers into your biggest fans. London doesn’t just have karaoke spots; it has full-blown singing experiences where the vibe matters as much as the playlist. Forget the tiny booths in basement bars. London’s top karaoke venues are loud, lively, and built for crowds who want to dance, drink, and scream their hearts out without judgment.

Why London’s Karaoke Scene Is Different

London’s karaoke culture isn’t just about grabbing a mic and warbling through Adele. It’s woven into the city’s social fabric. You’ll find groups of coworkers celebrating promotions, tourists from Japan singing J-pop with perfect pitch, and locals who treat Thursday nights like a ritual. Unlike in some cities where karaoke is a last-resort activity, here it’s a legit night out-with professional sound systems, curated song libraries, and staff who actually know how to handle a crowd.

Most venues offer private rooms for groups, but the real magic happens in open-floor setups where everyone becomes part of the show. The energy builds fast. One person starts with Queen, the next with Drake, and suddenly the whole room is clapping along like it’s Glastonbury.

1. Sing Sing Karaoke (Soho)

Open since 2018, Sing Sing Karaoke in Soho is the gold standard for serious singers and casual belters alike. The space is sleek, modern, and soundproofed to the max. You pick your room-small for two, XL for ten-and the staff brings drinks directly to your door. No awkward trips to the bar mid-song.

The song library? Over 50,000 tracks, updated weekly. You’ll find everything from ABBA to BTS, obscure 90s Britpop deep cuts, and even Korean ballads with on-screen lyrics. They also run themed nights: ‘80s Glam on Fridays, K-Pop Sundays, and ‘90s R&B Throwbacks on Tuesdays.

Don’t miss their signature ‘Karaoke + Cocktails’ package: three drinks and a snack platter for £35 per person. It’s pricey, but you’re paying for quality-no tinny speakers, no echo, no broken mics.

2. The Karaoke Box (Shoreditch)

If you want a more laid-back, almost underground vibe, The Karaoke Box in Shoreditch delivers. This place feels like your friend’s basement-except the sound system costs more than your laptop. The walls are lined with vintage posters, the lighting is moody, and the playlist is curated by actual music nerds.

They don’t do private rooms. Instead, you book a 90-minute slot in their open lounge and sing whenever you feel like it. The crowd is mixed: students, indie musicians, expats, and curious tourists. You’ll hear someone sing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ one minute and a Chinese pop anthem the next.

Drinks are cheap (pints from £5.50), and they serve late-night snacks like loaded fries and mini burgers. The vibe is casual, but the sound quality is professional-grade. It’s the kind of place where you might walk in alone and leave with five new friends.

3. Karaoke Bar & Lounge (Camden)

Camden’s music scene is legendary, and Karaoke Bar & Lounge leans hard into that legacy. Located right off Camden High Street, this spot is packed every night, especially on weekends. The decor is rock ‘n’ roll chic-leather booths, neon signs, and a giant wall of microphones you can grab anytime.

What sets them apart? They have a live DJ who spins between singers, and a rotating roster of guest performers who jump on stage for duets. You might sing ‘I Will Survive’ and then get pulled into a group cover of ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ with three strangers who somehow know every harmony.

They also host monthly ‘Battle of the Bands’ karaoke contests with cash prizes. Past winners include a 72-year-old grandmother who sang ‘My Way’ in perfect pitch and a group of university students who turned ‘Despacito’ into a full choreographed routine.

4. The Velvet Rope (Notting Hill)

For a more upscale karaoke experience, head to The Velvet Rope in Notting Hill. This isn’t your typical dive bar-it’s a velvet-draped, dim-lit lounge with cocktail menus that look like wine lists. The rooms are soundproofed with acoustic panels, and the staff wears black tuxedos.

They don’t just play songs; they produce them. You can request a backing track with live musicians if you book ahead. Yes, you read that right: a real bassist and drummer play behind you while you sing. It’s expensive-£75 per hour-but if you’ve ever dreamed of performing like a pro, this is your chance.

They also offer recording sessions. After your set, you can buy a studio-quality audio file of your performance. People have used these to propose, post on TikTok, or just keep as a memory. One couple recorded their first duet here and played it back at their wedding.

5. Karaoke City (Walthamstow)

Don’t sleep on Walthamstow. Karaoke City is a hidden gem that locals swear by. It’s a massive, two-floor venue with 12 private rooms, a full bar, and a dance floor that stays packed until 3 a.m. The crowd here is diverse-families, groups of friends, and even corporate teams for team-building nights.

The real draw? Their ‘Song Request Wall’. You write your song on a sticky note and stick it to the wall. If enough people request it, the staff plays it on the main stage. Last month, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ hit the wall 17 times in one night. They played it at midnight. Everyone screamed. It was beautiful.

They also have a ‘First-Time Singer’ bonus: if you’ve never done karaoke before, they give you a free drink and a cheer squad. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.

What to Expect: Tips for Your First Karaoke Night in London

Going to karaoke in London isn’t like going to a pub. Here’s what you need to know:

• Book ahead-especially on weekends. Popular spots fill up days in advance.
• Don’t be shy about singing with others. Group duets are encouraged and often the most fun.
• Use the app. Most places have their own apps to browse songs, reserve rooms, and even tip your bartender.
• Wear something you’re comfortable moving in. You’ll be dancing, waving your arms, and probably jumping.
• Bring a group. Karaoke is better with friends-but even solo visitors are welcomed.
• Try something unexpected. Singing a country song in a room full of punk fans? That’s the magic of London.

When to Go: Best Nights for Karaoke in London

Monday: Quiet, great for beginners. Some bars offer half-price drinks.

Tuesday: ‘Throwback Tuesdays’ at most venues-old-school hits only.

Wednesday: Staff pick night. The bar chooses the songs-you just sing.

Thursday: The most popular night. Crowds are big, energy is high.

Friday & Saturday: Book early. These nights are packed. Arrive before 8 p.m. to get a good room.

Sunday: Chill vibes. Perfect for families or late-night singers who don’t want to rush.

What’s New in 2025

This year, London’s karaoke scene got a tech boost. Several venues now use AI-powered lyric prompts that adjust to your voice pitch. If you’re off-key, the screen subtly shifts the notes to help you match. It’s not auto-tune-it’s more like a friendly nudge.

Also, new venues like ‘Sing & Sip’ opened in Peckham and Brixton, offering karaoke with live acoustic sets between sets. You can hear a jazz trio play while you sip a craft gin cocktail.

And for the first time, some bars now host ‘Silent Karaoke’ nights-headphones on, no speakers. You sing your heart out while everyone else dances in silence. It’s weird, but oddly therapeutic.

Final Thoughts: Karaoke Is More Than a Night Out

London’s best karaoke bars aren’t just about singing. They’re about connection. About finding your voice in a city of millions. About laughing when you miss a note, cheering when someone nails a high C, and realizing that no one cares if you’re perfect-they just want you to be there.

So grab your friends, pick a spot, and go sing like nobody’s listening-even though everyone is.