London doesn’t just have nightlife-it has karaoke nights that turn strangers into stage legends. If you’ve ever belted out a chorus in a dimly lit room with friends, you know it’s not about being perfect. It’s about the scream-singing of "Bohemian Rhapsody" at 2 a.m., the group chant of "Livin’ on a Prayer," and the way the whole bar suddenly stops to watch you lose your mind on the chorus of "Don’t Stop Believin’". London’s karaoke scene isn’t just a few bars with microphones-it’s a culture. And if you’re looking for the real deal, here’s where to go.
1. Sing Sing Karaoke (Soho)
Sing Sing isn’t just a bar with a karaoke machine. It’s a full-on private room experience. You walk in, pick your song from a touchscreen library of over 50,000 tracks, and step into a soundproof booth with LED lights, a professional-grade mic, and a screen that shows lyrics in real time. No waiting. No awkward stage. Just you, your crew, and a playlist that goes from Adele to ABBA to K-pop bangers. The staff bring drinks on trays with ice buckets and snacks-no need to leave your room. Groups of 4 to 12 get the best vibe. It’s not cheap-£35 per person for two hours-but you’re paying for privacy, quality, and zero judgment. This is where corporate teams go after a big deal, and where tourists come to feel like pop stars.
2. The Jazz Cafe (Camden)
Most people know The Jazz Cafe for live soul and funk acts, but every Thursday night, it becomes London’s most electric open mic karaoke night. The stage is small, the crowd is loud, and the energy is contagious. You don’t book-you just show up, sign your name on a clipboard, and wait your turn. The house band plays live behind you, not backing tracks. That means if you mess up a note, they’ll follow you. If you nail it, they’ll drop the bass and lean into your groove. Regulars include retired teachers, university students, and a guy named Dave who sings only Michael Jackson songs in full moonlight costume. The vibe? Think Motown meets pub singalong. Drinks are cheap, the crowd is diverse, and the applause lasts longer than the song.
3. Karaoke Box (Wembley)
Don’t let the name fool you-this isn’t a box. It’s a three-floor karaoke palace with themed rooms: 90s pop, Bollywood, rock anthems, and even a retro Japanese booth with tatami mats and cherry blossom lights. You get unlimited drinks for £25 per person after 8 p.m., and the menu includes Japanese snacks like takoyaki and matcha mochi. The real draw? The songbook is updated weekly with new K-pop, Latin hits, and even TikTok trends. Last month, they added "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama and "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus within 48 hours of their release. The staff are young, bilingual, and know every lyric by heart. If you’ve ever wanted to sing "Dynamite" by BTS in a room full of people who know every dance move, this is your spot.
4. The Bull & Gate (Kentish Town)
This is the gritty, real, no-frills karaoke bar. No private rooms. No screens. Just a mic on a stand, a speaker blasting from the corner, and a crowd that’s seen it all. Every Wednesday, the bar turns into a karaoke free-for-all. You don’t need to sign up. You just shout your song request into the room. Someone always knows the tune. Someone always sings backup. The crowd claps on the beat, even if you’re off-key. One night, a 70-year-old woman sang "Sweet Child O’ Mine" with tears in her eyes. The whole place went silent. Then erupted. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. And it’s free to join. Just buy a pint and wait your turn. If you want to feel like part of a community-not a performance-this is it.
5. The Nightjar (Shoreditch)
Here’s the curveball: The Nightjar is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. No one expects karaoke here. But every Sunday night, they host "Singing with Spirits"-a 90-minute set where guests can request a song, and the house band plays it live while the bartender pours you a custom cocktail based on the genre. Want to sing "I Will Always Love You"? You get a honey-bourbon old-fashioned. Want to go full Britpop with "Common People"? You get a gin fizz with elderflower. The band members are ex-West End singers. They don’t just play-they improvise harmonies, add brass sections, and sometimes switch keys to match your range. It’s intimate. It’s classy. And it’s the only place in London where karaoke feels like a jazz club.
What to Bring (And What to Leave at Home)
Don’t show up expecting to just walk in and sing. Most places require a reservation, especially on weekends. Book at least 48 hours ahead. Bring a group of 3 or more-karaoke is better with backup singers. Leave your ego at the door. The best nights aren’t when someone hits every note. They’re when someone sings so badly they make everyone cry laughing. Wear something comfortable. You’ll be dancing. Bring your phone to record the moment-but don’t post it until the next day. Some bars have rules about recording. And always tip the staff. They’re the ones who keep the mic working and the drinks flowing.
When to Go
Weekends are packed. If you want space, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Sing Sing and Karaoke Box fill up by 7 p.m. on Friday. The Jazz Cafe and The Bull & Gate get busy after 10 p.m. Nightjar is first-come, first-served and only runs on Sundays. Pro tip: If you’re visiting from abroad, check the local events calendar. London hosts a monthly "Karaoke Crawl" where 5 bars link up with special drink deals and group challenges. Last month, teams had to sing a song in a different language every hour. The winning team got free drinks for a month.
What’s New in 2025
This year, London added AI-assisted vocal coaching at three top spots. At Sing Sing, you can now choose a "Vocal Coach Mode"-the screen gives you real-time feedback on pitch and timing, like a private singing lesson. At Karaoke Box, they’ve started hosting "Lyric Battles"-two teams compete to guess the next line of a song. Winners get free shots. And for the first time, a few bars now offer vegan karaoke snacks-jackfruit tacos and plant-based nachos. The scene is evolving, but the heart hasn’t changed. It’s still about letting go, singing loud, and finding joy in the noise.
Do I need to be a good singer to go to a karaoke bar in London?
No. Karaoke isn’t a talent show. It’s a social experience. The best nights happen when people sing badly, laugh, and cheer each other on. Bars like The Bull & Gate and The Jazz Cafe celebrate effort over perfection. You’ll fit right in no matter your skill level.
How much does karaoke cost in London?
Prices vary. Private rooms at Sing Sing or Karaoke Box start at £25-£35 per person for two hours. Open mic nights at The Jazz Cafe or The Bull & Gate are free to join-you just pay for drinks, usually £6-£9 per pint. Nightjar’s Sunday sessions cost £15 per person, including a custom cocktail.
Are there karaoke bars that cater to non-English speakers?
Yes. Karaoke Box has a massive international song library, including K-pop, Bollywood, Spanish pop, and Japanese classics. Many staff members speak multiple languages and can help you find songs. Some bars even offer lyric translations on screen.
Can I bring my own music to a karaoke bar?
Most bars use licensed song libraries and don’t allow personal devices. But some, like The Jazz Cafe, let you request songs from their database. If you’re looking for something obscure, check the bar’s online catalog before you go. If it’s not there, ask the staff-they might be able to add it.
Is karaoke in London safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Karaoke venues are popular with tourists and locals alike. Areas like Soho, Camden, and Shoreditch are well-lit, busy, and easy to navigate. Stick to well-known spots, book in advance, and use licensed transport. Most bars have security staff on weekends. Just enjoy the music and the moment.
Where to Go Next
If you loved the karaoke scene, try a live blues night at Ronnie Scott’s, or a pub quiz with a sing-along twist at The Harp in Soho. For something quieter, visit a jazz lounge in Brixton where you can hum along to standards. London’s music culture doesn’t end with karaoke-it just changes shape. But if you want to feel alive, loud, and free, there’s no better place to start than with a mic in your hand and a crowd cheering you on.
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