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Whether you are a shower-singing superstar or just in it for the fun, karaoke is one of London's great group nights out. The city offers everything from private booths where only your friends can hear you to open-mic bars and Korean singing rooms. This guide covers where to grab the mic.
Private booths
For the classic karaoke night, private booths let your group sing in your own room without an audience of strangers. Lucky Voice, with venues in Soho and Islington, popularised the format in London, with slick booths, a big songbook and a button that summons more drinks. Karaoke Box in Soho and Smithfield offers a similar experience, and many rooms can be booked for larger parties, making them a reliable choice for a celebration.
Korean rooms and karaoke bars
For an authentic take, London's Korean singing rooms, or noraebang, cluster around the New Malden Korean community and pockets of the West End, often open late and great value. If you would rather sing to a crowd, a number of pubs and bars across the city host open karaoke nights where anyone can take the stage. These are free-spirited and free to join, if you have the nerve.
How does private booth karaoke work?
You hire a private room for your group by the hour, choose songs from a large digital songbook using a screen or tablet, and sing just to your friends, usually with drinks brought to the room. It is the most popular karaoke format in London because it removes the fear of a public audience.
Where can I do karaoke for a birthday in London?
Private booth venues such as Lucky Voice and Karaoke Box are ideal for birthdays and celebrations, as you can book a room for your whole group. Booking ahead is essential at weekends, when the popular booths fill up quickly.
Where to go next
Keep the night going with things to do in London at night, or line up a laugh at the best comedy clubs in London.
