London doesn’t just have nightlife-it has karaoke nights that turn strangers into rock stars. If you’ve ever belted out Queen in the shower and dreamed of doing it under neon lights with a crowd cheering, London’s got you covered. Forget the quiet pubs and overpriced cocktails. This city’s karaoke scene is loud, proud, and packed with people who don’t care if you hit the high note-they just want you to keep singing.
Why London’s Karaoke Scene Is Different
Most cities have karaoke bars. London has karaoke experiences. You won’t find just a TV screen and a dusty microphone here. The best spots have sound systems tuned by audio engineers, lighting that syncs with the beat, and staff who remember your name after one visit. It’s not about being good-it’s about being bold. And Londoners? They love a good show.
Unlike Tokyo’s private rooms or Seoul’s all-night karaoke dens, London’s scene is social. You’re not locked in a booth-you’re part of the crowd. Someone sings a Coldplay song? Half the room joins in. Someone picks a Britney Spears banger? The floor clears for a dance. It’s communal, chaotic, and completely addictive.
Top 5 Karaoke Spots in London
- Carpe Diem (Soho): This place opened in 2021 and quickly became the go-to for serious singers. They use professional-grade microphones from Shure and have over 20,000 songs in their catalog-including rare K-pop and Latin tracks. The room has acoustic panels to stop sound from bleeding into neighboring bars. No one complains here. Everyone’s too busy singing.
- Karaoke Box (Shoreditch): If you want privacy without the awkwardness of a private room, this is it. Book a 90-minute slot, pick your playlist, and the staff brings you drinks and snacks without interrupting. They’ve got a wall of LED screens that change color with the mood of the song. Bonus: they serve ramen at 2 a.m.
- The Singing Pub (Camden): A proper British pub with a karaoke twist. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the owner pulls out the mic and hosts a “Pub Idol” night. Winners get free drinks for a week. The crowd? Mostly locals in their 30s and 40s who’ve been coming since 2018. It’s not polished. It’s real.
- Club 42 (Brixton): This one’s for the dancers. The sound system here is built for bass-heavy tracks-Drake, Beyoncé, Stormzy. The playlist leans heavily on modern R&B and UK garage. They don’t play ballads. If you want to cry while singing Adele, go elsewhere. This is for when you want to jump, scream, and lose your voice by midnight.
- High Note (Covent Garden): The most underrated spot. No flashy lights, no fancy decor-just a great sound system and a bar that stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends. They have a “First Timer Free” policy: if you’ve never sung karaoke before, you get one song on the house. Many walk in nervous. Almost all walk out smiling.
What to Expect on a Karaoke Night
You don’t need to be a pro. You don’t even need to know the lyrics. What you do need is confidence-and maybe a little liquid courage.
Most places charge £5-£10 per person for a 90-minute slot. Some include unlimited soft drinks. Others charge extra for alcohol, which is fine-you’ll want it anyway. Don’t be surprised if the staff asks if you’re singing solo or duet. They’ll even help you pick a song if you’re stuck.
Expect a mix of ages. You’ll see students in hoodies, office workers in suits, and retirees who still know every ABBA lyric. The vibe? Friendly. No one laughs at bad singers. They cheer louder when you mess up.
Pro tip: Avoid Sundays. Most places are quiet. Go on Friday or Saturday. That’s when the energy spikes. And if you’re shy? Start with a duet. Someone’s always willing to join you.
What Makes a Karaoke Bar Great?
It’s not just the songs. It’s the details.
- Sound quality: A good mic matters. Cheap karaoke bars use Bluetooth speakers and tinny mics. The best use wired Shure SM58s or Sennheiser e835s.
- Playlist depth: 10,000 songs minimum. If they don’t have “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Uptown Funk,” move on.
- Staff attitude: Do they cheer? Do they hand you a towel if you’re sweating? Do they know your name after one visit? That’s the difference between a bar and a scene.
- Timing: Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. sharp. No delays. If they start late, they don’t care about the experience.
- After-hours: If the bar closes at midnight, it’s not a real karaoke spot. The best ones stay open until 4 a.m. or later.
How to Pick the Right Spot for You
Are you the type who wants to scream “Sweet Caroline” with 50 strangers? Go to The Singing Pub.
Do you prefer to belt out Taylor Swift alone in a cozy room with your friends? Karaoke Box is your place.
Are you into bass-heavy club bangers and dancing like no one’s watching? Club 42 won’t disappoint.
Want to impress your date with a duet of “I Will Always Love You”? High Note’s quiet vibe and great acoustics make it perfect.
And if you’re serious about your singing-like, you’ve done choir or took lessons-Carpe Diem is where you’ll find the real talent. They even host monthly karaoke battles with cash prizes.
What Not to Do
Don’t pick a song that’s too long. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is fine. “The Wall” by Pink Floyd? Not unless you’ve got 20 minutes to spare.
Don’t hog the mic. If someone else is waiting, let them go. Karaoke is about sharing joy, not showing off.
Don’t bring a group of 10 and book a private room unless you’re prepared to pay £100+. Most places charge by the hour, not per person.
Don’t expect to be the best singer. Everyone’s there to have fun. The person who sings “My Heart Will Go On” off-key? They’re the hero of the night.
Final Tip: Bring a Friend Who’s Brave
Going alone to a karaoke bar can feel intimidating. But bring someone who’s already done it-and you’ll be singing before the first song ends. Karaoke isn’t about talent. It’s about courage. And in London, courage gets you a standing ovation.
What’s the best time to go to a karaoke bar in London?
Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest and most energetic. Most places start karaoke at 8 p.m., but the real crowd shows up after 10 p.m. If you want a good spot, arrive by 9 p.m. Weeknights are quieter but still fun-especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe.
Do I need to book in advance for karaoke in London?
For popular spots like Carpe Diem or Karaoke Box, yes-especially on weekends. You can usually book online through their websites. Smaller bars like The Singing Pub or High Note take walk-ins, but you might wait if it’s packed. Always check their social media-some post last-minute openings.
How much does karaoke cost in London?
Most places charge between £5 and £15 per person for a 90-minute session. Some include free soft drinks; others charge extra for alcohol. Private rooms can cost £50-£120 per hour, depending on size and location. High Note and The Singing Pub are the most affordable, while Carpe Diem is on the pricier side-but the sound quality justifies it.
Are there karaoke bars in London that cater to non-English speakers?
Yes. Carpe Diem and Karaoke Box have extensive non-English playlists, including Spanish, Korean, Japanese, French, and Arabic tracks. Some bars even have multilingual staff who can help you find songs in your language. If you’re looking for Latin or Bollywood hits, ask for the “World Music” section.
Is karaoke in London safe for tourists?
Absolutely. London’s karaoke bars are in well-lit, busy areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden. Staff are used to tourists, and most venues have security on-site during peak hours. Just stick to places with good reviews and avoid sketchy alleyways after midnight. The karaoke scene is one of the friendliest parts of London nightlife.
If you’re in London and you’ve got a song stuck in your head, don’t hold it in. Walk into any of these spots, grab a mic, and let it out. The city won’t judge you. It’ll sing along.
