London’s nightlife doesn’t just mean clubs and pubs-it’s also home to some of the most electric karaoke spots in Europe. If you’ve ever belted out a Beyoncé anthem in the shower and dreamed of doing it under neon lights with a crowd cheering, London has you covered. Forget the quiet bars where you’re lucky to hear a single clink of a glass. Here, the walls don’t just echo-they scream along with you.
Why London Is a Karaoke Powerhouse
London isn’t just a city with karaoke bars. It’s a city where karaoke is part of the culture. You’ll find groups of friends turning Tuesday nights into talent shows, tourists from Tokyo belting out Adele, and locals who’ve memorized every lyric to Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’ since 1995. Unlike cities where karaoke is an afterthought, London treats it like a main event.
What makes it work? The mix of venues. You’ve got hidden basements in Shoreditch, rooftop lounges in Soho, and no-frills joints in Peckham-all with the same thing in common: booming sound systems, massive screens, and zero judgment. You don’t need to be good. You just need to show up and sing.
Top 5 Karaoke Bars in London
Not all karaoke spots are created equal. Some have sticky floors and outdated song lists. Others feel like a private concert with a crowd. Here are the five that consistently deliver the best experience in 2026.
1. The Singing Pub (Soho)
Opened in 2018, The Singing Pub turned a former bookshop into a karaoke temple. With 12 private rooms and a library of over 20,000 songs-including rare Japanese pop, K-pop bangers, and 80s rock deep cuts-it’s the go-to for serious singers. The staff don’t just hand you a mic; they’ll help you pick a song based on your mood. Got a breakup? Try ‘Someone Like You’. Feeling bold? ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is always ready.
Pro tip: Book a room for four or more. The per-person rate drops significantly, and the group energy turns a night out into a memory.
2. Karaoke City (Shoreditch)
Don’t let the name fool you. Karaoke City isn’t a giant warehouse-it’s a sleek, three-floor venue with themed rooms. One room looks like a Tokyo subway station. Another is decked out like a 1970s disco. The sound system? Custom-built by a former Abbey Road engineer. The song list updates weekly with new TikTok hits and viral chart-toppers.
They also run weekly karaoke battles. Winners get free drinks and a spot on the venue’s ‘Wall of Fame’. Last month’s champ sang ‘I Will Survive’ in a full glitter bodysuit. No one forgot it.
3. The Crocodile (Camden)
Camden’s music scene is legendary. The Crocodile leans into that. This place feels like a rock club that forgot to turn off the karaoke machine. The crowd here isn’t looking for polish-they’re here for chaos. You’ll hear a 70-year-old man scream ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ while a group of uni students harmonize on ‘Uptown Funk’.
The bar serves cheap pints and giant nachos. The lighting? Red and blue strobes that make everyone look like they’re in a music video. It’s messy. It’s loud. And it’s the most fun you’ll have without a ticket to a concert.
4. The Velvet Rope (Mayfair)
If you want karaoke with a side of luxury, The Velvet Rope is your spot. Think velvet curtains, leather booths, and a cocktail menu designed by a Michelin-starred mixologist. The song list includes opera arias, Broadway showstoppers, and classic Motown. It’s the only place in London where you can sing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ while sipping a $22 gin and tonic.
Perfect for date nights or celebrating a promotion. The staff will dim the lights, bring out a cake if you’re celebrating, and even record your performance to email you later. No phones. No awkward selfies. Just pure, polished entertainment.
5. Karaoke Junkie (Peckham)
Hidden behind a nondescript door in Peckham’s industrial zone, Karaoke Junkie is the city’s best-kept secret. It’s cheap-£8 for two hours-and packed with locals who’ve been coming since it opened in 2020. The vibe? Like your friend’s basement, but with better acoustics and a fridge full of craft beer.
They don’t have fancy rooms. Just one big open space with a stage, a screen, and a DJ who spins between sets. The crowd sings together. No one’s watching you. Everyone’s singing with you. It’s the most genuine karaoke experience in the city.
What Makes a Great Karaoke Bar?
Not all places with a mic and a screen are worth your time. Here’s what separates the good from the great:
- Song library size: Look for 15,000+ songs. Anything less means you’ll be stuck with the same 50 hits over and over.
- Sound quality: A good system doesn’t just turn up the volume-it balances vocals and backing tracks. If the music drowns you out, walk out.
- Room options: Private rooms mean no pressure. Open spaces mean more energy. Choose based on your vibe.
- Staff attitude: If they roll their eyes when you ask for a song, leave. Karaoke staff should be cheerleaders, not gatekeepers.
- Food and drinks: Karaoke is hungry work. Look for bars that serve decent snacks-not just peanuts and crisps.
When to Go
Timing matters. Weekends are packed. Weekdays? That’s when the real magic happens.
- Tuesdays: Most bars offer half-price drinks and free room time for groups of four or more. This is the sweet spot.
- Thursdays: Often host themed nights-90s pop, Bollywood, or Metal Monday. Check their socials.
- Weekends: Expect crowds. Book ahead. Arrive early if you want a good room.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting from abroad, ask for the ‘international song list’. Many places now have non-English tracks from Japan, Korea, Spain, and beyond.
What to Wear
There’s no dress code. But in London, what you wear sets the tone.
- Camden or Peckham: Jeans, band tee, boots. Go raw.
- Soho or Mayfair: Smart casual. A blazer or a nice dress adds to the fun.
- Themed nights: Wear it. If it’s 80s night, wear the shoulder pads. If it’s Disney night, bring the princess crown.
Don’t overthink it. The best karaoke moments happen when you stop caring what you look like and start enjoying the noise.
How to Pick the Right Song
Don’t just pick the loudest song. Pick the right one.
- Know your range: If you can’t hit the high notes in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, don’t try it. Pick something you can sing comfortably.
- Know your crowd: Are you with friends? Go for a group anthem. On a date? Choose something romantic.
- Know your moment: Feeling emotional? ‘Hallelujah’. Need to let loose? ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’.
And if you’re unsure? Ask the staff. They’ve heard every song in the library. They’ll know what works.
Final Tip: Don’t Be the Quiet One
The biggest mistake people make? Sitting out. Karaoke isn’t a performance. It’s participation. Even if you’re off-key, even if you forget the words-your voice adds to the energy. London’s karaoke scene thrives because everyone’s in it together.
So grab a friend. Pick a song. Step up. The mic is waiting.
Are karaoke bars in London expensive?
Not necessarily. Most places charge between £5 and £15 per person for two hours, depending on the location and time of week. Weekday nights are often cheaper, and booking a private room for a group can bring the cost down even more. Some venues, like Karaoke Junkie in Peckham, offer unlimited singing for under £10.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and for private rooms. Popular spots like The Singing Pub and Karaoke City fill up fast. Booking 24-48 hours ahead guarantees you a spot. Walk-ins are welcome during off-peak hours, but you might wait.
Can I bring my own songs?
Most venues have extensive libraries, but if you want a very specific track-like a rare K-pop remix or a regional folk song-some places let you upload it via their app or email it ahead of time. Check their website or ask staff when booking.
Are there karaoke nights for non-English speakers?
Absolutely. Many venues now offer song lists in Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Karaoke City and The Velvet Rope regularly update their international selections. Some nights are even themed around non-English music-like ‘J-Pop Night’ or ‘Latin Hits’.
Is karaoke in London family-friendly?
Most karaoke bars are 18+, but some, like The Singing Pub, offer family-friendly daytime sessions on weekends. These are quieter, with kid-friendly songs and no alcohol service. Check individual venues for family hours.
