In London, finding a place where you can belt out Adele without judgment isn’t hard-it’s practically a public service. From tucked-away pubs in Peckham to glitzy venues in Soho, the city’s karaoke scene is louder, wilder, and more authentic than ever. Whether you’re a local who’s sung ‘Wonderwall’ at every birthday since 2015 or a tourist who just landed at Heathrow with a Spotify playlist ready to go, London’s karaoke bars deliver more than just off-key vocals-they deliver connection, chaos, and a whole lot of laughs.
Why Karaoke in London Feels Different
London’s karaoke culture doesn’t follow the Asian-style private room model you might see in New York or Tokyo. Here, it’s messy, communal, and often happens in the middle of a pub on a Thursday night. You’ll find regulars who’ve been coming for years, tourists who’ve never held a mic before, and everyone in between. The magic isn’t in perfection-it’s in the shared experience. Someone’s going to forget the lyrics. Someone’s going to pick a song too high. Someone’s going to dance like they’re on a stage at Glastonbury. And that’s exactly why it works.
Unlike clubs where the music drowns out conversation, karaoke in London is about participation. You don’t just watch-you join in. Even if you’re shy, someone will hand you a mic before you know it. And if you’re lucky, you’ll end up singing ‘I Will Survive’ with a group of strangers who become your friends by the third chorus.
1. The K Club - Camden
Camden’s The K Club has been the go-to for serious singers since 2012. It’s not fancy, but it’s got the best sound system in North London. The playlist includes everything from Amy Winehouse to Ed Sheeran, and they update it weekly based on what’s trending on UK radio. What sets it apart? No private rooms. Everyone sings on the same stage, right next to the bar. You’ll hear a 70-year-old pensioner nail ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ after a pint of Guinness, then a group of uni students go full Beyoncé with ‘Single Ladies’.
They don’t charge per person-you pay £10 for two hours of unlimited singing. No hidden fees. No membership. Just walk in, pick your song from the touchscreen, and go. The staff don’t interrupt you. They don’t rush you. They just hand you a mic and a high-five when you’re done.
2. Sing Sing Karaoke - Soho
Soho’s Sing Sing is where the party turns up after midnight. Open until 3 AM on weekends, this place feels like a cross between a retro nightclub and a living room with a killer sound system. The walls are lined with neon lights and vintage posters of 90s pop stars. The playlist? Heavy on Britpop, 2000s R&B, and the latest UK garage remixes.
They offer themed nights: ‘90s Throwback Tuesdays’, ‘Queen Fridays’, and ‘Diva Sundays’ where you have to sing a female anthem or buy the next round. The bar serves proper British cocktails-Pimm’s, gin and tonics with elderflower, and even tea-infused whiskey for the brave. It’s not just singing-it’s a cultural night out.
Pro tip: Book ahead on weekends. Lines form outside before 9 PM. If you don’t book, grab a seat at the bar and wait for someone to drop out. Someone always does.
3. The Karaoke Box - Shoreditch
If you want privacy without the sterile vibe of a corporate karaoke chain, The Karaoke Box in Shoreditch is your spot. It’s small, intimate, and feels like a friend’s basement turned into a recording studio. Each booth is soundproofed, lit with mood lighting, and stocked with snacks like crisps, chocolate bars, and cheap prosecco.
They’ve got over 20,000 songs, including obscure British indie tracks and regional dialect versions of pop songs (yes, they have ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ in a Cockney accent). You can even record your performance and email it to yourself. Perfect for sharing on WhatsApp with your mates the next day.
Prices start at £15 per hour per person. Groups of four or more get a free bottle of bubbly. It’s the most popular spot for birthday parties, stag dos, and post-work celebrations among young professionals in East London.
4. The Red Lion - Brixton
Don’t let the name fool you-The Red Lion isn’t your average pub. It’s a community hub where karaoke happens every Friday and Saturday, hosted by local legends who’ve been doing it for over a decade. The crowd here is mostly Brixton locals, Caribbean expats, and music students from the nearby conservatoire.
The playlist leans into reggae, soul, and UK grime. You’ll hear ‘No Woman, No Cry’ followed by ‘Savage Mode’ by 21 Savage. The host doesn’t just call names-he introduces each singer with a funny line. ‘Next up, Karen from the post office-she sings like she’s auditioning for The Voice… and she’s got the dress to match.’
It’s cheap: £5 entry, drinks from £3.50. No booking needed. Just show up, order a pint of London Pride, and wait for the mic to come your way. This is karaoke as it’s meant to be-raw, real, and rooted in the neighborhood.
5. Lulu’s Karaoke - Canary Wharf
For the corporate crowd, Lulu’s in Canary Wharf is the only place that makes karaoke feel like a reward, not a risk. Think sleek interiors, ambient lighting, and a menu that includes artisanal gin cocktails and charcuterie boards. It’s where bankers, consultants, and lawyers let loose after a long week.
The song selection is polished: think Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and the occasional Whitney Houston ballad. They’ve got a ‘Corporate Karaoke Night’ every Wednesday where teams compete for prizes-usually a free bottle of champagne or a £25 voucher for the nearby Thai restaurant.
It’s pricier than other spots-£25 per person for two hours-but you get a dedicated host, a professional sound engineer, and a photo booth. It’s the closest London gets to a karaoke lounge in a luxury hotel. Perfect if you’re treating yourself-or impressing a client.
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
- Bring: Your confidence, a friend who’ll cheer you on, and your phone charged for recording. Most places let you sing from Spotify or Apple Music if you ask nicely.
- Leave at home: Your ego. Karaoke in London isn’t about being good-it’s about being there. If you’re too nervous to sing, just join the chorus. Everyone does.
- Pro tip: Avoid ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on busy nights. Everyone sings it. Be the one who picks ‘Tubthumping’ instead. You’ll get more cheers.
When to Go
Weekdays are quieter and cheaper. Thursday nights are the sweet spot-after work, before the weekend rush. Friday and Saturday are packed, especially in Soho and Shoreditch. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for 7-9 PM. After 10 PM, it’s a different energy-more singing, more dancing, more chaos.
Check local event calendars. Some bars host monthly karaoke competitions with prizes like free drinks for a month or a night out at a West End show. The ‘London Karaoke Championships’ run every March and draw hundreds of contestants from across the city.
Final Thoughts
London’s karaoke bars aren’t just places to sing. They’re where strangers become friends, where confidence is built one off-key note at a time, and where the city’s diverse music culture comes alive. You don’t need to be talented. You just need to show up. And when you do, you’ll find that the real magic isn’t in the song-it’s in the room.
Do I need to book a karaoke room in London?
It depends on the place. Bars like The K Club and The Red Lion don’t require bookings-you can just walk in. But places like The Karaoke Box and Lulu’s in Canary Wharf recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends. For group events, booking is almost always required.
How much does karaoke cost in London?
Prices vary. Budget spots like The Red Lion charge £5 entry with drinks from £3.50. Mid-range venues like The K Club charge £10 for two hours of unlimited singing. Upscale options like Lulu’s start at £25 per person and include extras like cocktails and photo booths. Most places offer group discounts.
Can I sing songs from non-English artists?
Absolutely. London’s karaoke scene is multicultural. You’ll find songs in Spanish, French, Polish, and even Punjabi. Many venues have international playlists, and staff are used to helping with lyrics in different languages. Don’t be shy-singing ‘Despacito’ or ‘Gangnam Style’ might just make you the star of the night.
Are there karaoke nights for kids or families?
Most karaoke bars in London are 18+, but some, like The K Club and The Karaoke Box, offer family-friendly sessions on Sunday afternoons. These are quieter, with kid-friendly songs and no alcohol. Check their websites for ‘Family Karaoke Sundays’-they’re a great way to get the whole crew involved.
Is karaoke popular with expats in London?
Yes, very. Many expat communities use karaoke as a way to bond. There are regular groups for Polish, Nigerian, Filipino, and Japanese expats who meet weekly to sing in their native languages. Some bars even host international song nights. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people and feel at home in London.
Next Steps
If you’re new to London’s karaoke scene, start with The K Club on a Thursday. It’s welcoming, affordable, and gives you the full experience without pressure. If you’re looking for something more polished, try Lulu’s. For pure local flavor, head to The Red Lion. And if you’re feeling adventurous, pick a song you’ve never sung before-something unexpected. You might just discover your new favorite tune.
