London doesn’t just have nightlife-it has karaoke nights that turn strangers into rock stars. If you’ve ever belted out ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in the shower and dreamed of doing it on a stage with real lights and a crowd cheering, London’s got you covered. Forget stuffy pubs and quiet wine bars. The city’s top karaoke spots are loud, wild, and totally unapologetic. You don’t need to be good. You just need to show up.
Where the Real Singing Starts: The Top 5 Karaoke Spots in London
Not all karaoke bars are made equal. Some feel like a basement with a TV and a mic. Others feel like a concert venue built for amateurs who dare to dream. Here are the five that actually deliver.
1. The Singing Pub (Shoreditch) - This isn’t just a bar with a karaoke machine. It’s a full-blown performance space with professional sound systems, LED backdrops, and a rotating setlist that includes everything from Adele to K-pop. The staff don’t just hand you a mic-they hype you up. Regulars show up in costumes. Last month, a group of 12 dressed as Spice Girls sang ‘Wannabe’ while dancing on tables. The owner keeps a photo wall of past performances. If you want to feel like a star, this is where it happens.
2. Karaoke Bar London (Soho) - Located under a dimly lit archway near Shaftesbury Avenue, this place feels like a secret club. Book a private room for six to ten people, and you get a dedicated host, unlimited drinks, and a playlist curated by your mood. Want to sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ in a velvet booth? Done. Want to go full Metallica with a leather jacket and air guitar? They’ve got the props. No judgment. Just pure, unfiltered fun.
3. The Jazz Club Karaoke (Camden) - Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t a jazz night. It’s a karaoke night with a twist: every Friday, they invite local musicians to play live backup. That means no canned tracks. Real drums, real bass, real guitar. If you’ve ever wanted to sing ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ with a guitarist who actually knows the solo, this is your spot. The crowd is older, but the energy? Younger than most clubs.
4. Karaoke City (Brixton) - A massive, multi-level venue with 12 private rooms, neon lights, and a snack bar that serves nachos and cocktails until 3 a.m. It’s the most affordable option in the city. A two-hour slot with unlimited drinks runs under £25 per person. They also run weekly themed nights: 80s only, Disney duets, or ‘Songs That Made My Ex Cry.’ Last week, a guy sang ‘I’m a Believer’ while holding a giant stuffed unicorn. The room went wild.
5. The Velvet Note (Mayfair) - For when you want karaoke with a touch of class. Think velvet curtains, dim lighting, and cocktails named after famous singers. It’s quieter than the others, but that’s the point. This is where professionals and aspiring vocalists come to test their skills without the chaos. They even offer free 15-minute vocal coaching sessions on Sundays. If you’ve ever wanted to know why your high note cracks, this is the place to find out.
What Makes a Great Karaoke Night? (Beyond the Mic)
Great karaoke isn’t just about the songs. It’s about the whole experience. The best places in London get three things right: sound quality, crowd energy, and no pressure.
Sound quality matters more than you think. A bad speaker can make even the best singer sound like a dying cat. The top spots use professional-grade mixers, studio monitors, and noise-canceling walls. You won’t hear echoes or feedback. Just clear, powerful vocals that make you feel like you’re in a recording booth.
Crowd energy? That’s the secret sauce. At places like The Singing Pub, the staff don’t just play your song-they introduce you. They clap. They dance. They scream your name. That kind of support turns nervous first-timers into regulars. You don’t have to be good. You just have to be brave.
And pressure? The best bars have zero of it. No scoreboards. No rankings. No one holding a clipboard judging your pitch. If you’re there to have fun, you’re welcome. If you’re there to compete? Go to a talent show. This isn’t X Factor. It’s a room full of people who just want to scream their hearts out.
When to Go and How to Avoid the Crowds
Weekends in London are packed. If you want a private room at Karaoke Bar London or a spot at The Velvet Note, book at least 48 hours ahead. Weeknights are where the real magic happens.
Monday and Tuesday nights are quiet. You might get the whole room to yourself. That’s when locals come in-people who’ve been singing for years and just want to let loose without the tourist crowd. You’ll hear covers of deep-cut Bowie songs, forgotten 90s R&B ballads, and even full opera arias. It’s intimate. It’s unexpected. It’s unforgettable.
Thursday nights are the sweet spot. Not busy enough to feel rushed, not quiet enough to feel empty. Most bars offer half-price drinks from 8 to 10 p.m. That’s when the regulars show up. That’s when you’ll meet the person who sings ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ better than Bon Jovi himself.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
You don’t need a glitter suit. But you also shouldn’t show up in a business suit and tie. The unwritten rule? Dress like you’re going to a party, not a job interview.
At The Singing Pub and Karaoke City, people wear costumes. Think neon, feather boas, or even full wigs. At The Velvet Note, it’s smart casual-dark jeans, a nice shirt, maybe a statement necklace. At The Jazz Club Karaoke, they don’t care what you wear as long as you can move.
Pro tip: Wear shoes you can dance in. You will dance. Even if you think you won’t. Someone will start clapping. Someone else will pull you up. And you’ll end up doing the Macarena with a stranger who becomes your best friend by 1 a.m.
What to Order
Drink choices matter. You want something that fuels your voice-not kills it.
Stick to water. Always. Hydration keeps your vocal cords smooth. Between songs, sip it.
For energy, go for ginger beer or a sparkling lemonade. They’re fizzy, refreshing, and won’t make you feel sluggish. Avoid heavy whiskey or vodka shots before you sing. They dry out your throat and make your voice crack.
Most bars offer karaoke cocktails-think ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ mojitos or ‘Sweet Caroline’ rum punch. They’re fun, colorful, and come with a little note that says, ‘Sing it loud!’
What to Do If You’re Too Nervous to Start
First: Breathe. You’re not on stage at Wembley. You’re in a room with people who’ve all been where you are.
Second: Start small. Pick a song you know by heart. Something simple. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’? ‘Sweet Caroline’? ‘I Will Survive’? These are crowd favorites for a reason. They’re easy to sing, hard to mess up.
Third: Go with a friend. Even one person clapping for you makes a difference. If you’re alone, pick a bar with a host who introduces people. They’ll help you feel seen.
And if you freeze? That’s okay. Laugh it off. The crowd will laugh with you. Then someone else will jump up and sing ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ and the whole room will be back in the groove.
Why Karaoke in London Is Different
London’s karaoke scene isn’t just about singing. It’s about connection. In a city of 9 million people, it’s rare to find a place where strangers become a chorus. Where a quiet accountant from Croydon sings ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and everyone sings along like they wrote it.
It’s not about talent. It’s about courage. It’s about showing up, even when you’re scared. And when you do? You’ll leave with a sore throat, a full heart, and a new group of friends who’ll text you next week: ‘Same time next Thursday?’
Are karaoke bars in London expensive?
It depends. Private rooms at top spots like Karaoke Bar London or The Velvet Note can cost £30-£50 per person for two hours, including drinks. But places like Karaoke City offer all-inclusive deals for under £25. Weeknight deals and group discounts are common. You can have a full night out for under £40 if you plan ahead.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends. Private rooms at popular spots like The Singing Pub or Karaoke Bar London often book up a week in advance. For walk-ins, try weekday nights-especially Mondays and Tuesdays-when you’re more likely to get a spot without a reservation.
Can I sing in languages other than English?
Absolutely. Most venues have multilingual song libraries. You’ll find Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, and even Arabic tracks. Karaoke City has one of the largest non-English collections. If you want to sing a Bollywood hit or a French chanson, just ask the host-they’ll find it.
Are there age restrictions?
Most karaoke bars in London are 18+. Some, like The Velvet Note, allow 16+ with an adult. Always check the venue’s policy before you go. Late-night venues (open past 1 a.m.) strictly enforce the 18+ rule.
What if I can’t sing at all?
Then sing anyway. Karaoke isn’t a talent show. It’s a party. People come to laugh, cheer, and let go-not to judge. The best moments happen when someone who thinks they’re terrible ends up leading the whole room in a chorus. You don’t need to be good. You just need to be willing.
Next Steps: How to Plan Your Karaoke Night
Here’s your simple checklist:
- Choose your spot based on vibe: wild (Karaoke City), classy (The Velvet Note), or live-band (The Jazz Club Karaoke).
- Book a room or reserve a table at least 48 hours ahead for weekends.
- Decide on 3-5 songs you know inside out. Include one crowd-pleaser.
- Wear comfortable shoes and something you don’t mind getting spilled on.
- Drink water before you go. Skip the hard liquor until after you’ve sung.
- Go with friends-or go alone. Either way, you’ll leave with a new playlist of memories.
London’s nightlife has a thousand faces. But only a few let you become the star. Find one. Grab a mic. And sing like nobody’s listening-even though everyone is.