Getting Your Karaoke On

Karaoke can make you excited, terrified or both. Nobody wants to sing badly but everyone is a famous singer deep down. Singing has always been a part of our lives, it’s in our DNA. Every occasion, from birth to funeral, is associated with some form of music and singing. We sing in the shower and in the car. Even if we can’t sing, we enjoy music and that is why karaoke will never die.

Bunga Bunga

Renowned for its Saturday Party Brunch, Bunga Bunga is famous for karaoke. With a state-of-the-art karaoke system carrying thousands of songs and new ones added every week, there is at least one tune to get you sitting. For true brave hearts, there is the opportunity to be ‘Karaokeus Maximus’ performing on the stage in front of the crowd. Seasoned singers will enjoy “Drag-e-oke” at the Saturday Party Brunch, while shy creatures can book the House of Peroni private dining room for more secluded fun. Even though it doesn’t take itself too seriously – this is a kitsch bar dedicated to Silvio Berlusconi, after all – it is very serious about food, drink and entertainment.

Address: 37 Battersea Bridge Rd, SW11 3BA       Tel: 020 7095 0360
Website: bungabunga-london.com/  Nearest train station: Battersea Park

Lucky Voice

If only there was a place you could tune your vocal chords in relative privacy before braving the stage? You’re in luck because Lucky Voice is that place. Their nine private pods can accommodate up to 12 people each. Choose from an extensive song list, order food and drink by touchscreen without leaving your pod, and then you’re basically set for a wonderful evening’s singalong.

Address: 52 Poland St, W1F 7NQ      Tel: 020 7439 3660
Website: www.luckyvoice.com/bars/london-soho/

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Brazen Monkey Karaoke

Brazen Monkey Karaoke is perhaps London’s most famous karaoke bar. Why? Because it offers private rooms for the ultimate party experience, a staggering collection of 60,000 songs, space to dance and staff who are efficient without being intrusive. Being this popular makes for one drawback –  be sure to book well in advance if you want to get through the door.

Address: 189 Piccadilly, W1J 9ES  Tel: 0780 620 8817
Website: www.brazenmonkey.co.uk/location_piccadilly.html

Nearest tube station: Green Park

Karaoke Box

The Karaoke Box has many themed rooms – the Ice Room, Show Girl Room, Meadow Room, Lady Gaga Padded Cell, and the Gold Room inspired by the one and only Elvis Presley. The huge song list includes options in Japanese and Arabic. It is also the only karaoke bar in London with a Russian-only karaoke machine (with over 9,000 songs) fitted in the Luxury Room. Children accompanied by adults are allowed up to 6pm; bookings essential.

Address: Basement Level, 14 Maddox St, W1S 1PQ Tel: 020 7493 8800
Website: website.karaokebox.co.uk/mayfair/

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Hip Hop Karaoke

Think you can hold a candle to the likes of Eminem, Kanye West or Snoop Dogg? If yes – or even if no – check out Hip Hop Karaoke (HHK) night at The Social every Thursday. Make sure you arrive nice and early to enjoy this legendary and long-running event. All songs are listed by difficulty level, so choose accordingly and get rapping!

Address: 5 Little Portland St, W1W 7JD     Tel: 020 7636 4992
Website: www.hiphopkaraoke.co.uk/

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

The Phoenix

The Phoenix is a popular party venue in central London. It has a packed entertainment calendar ranging from stand-up comedy to new material nights and, of course, karaoke. Whether mass karaoke, singalong Fridays, pop or indie night, there is always something to sing about!

Address: 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP  Tel: 020 7493 8003
Website: www.phoenixcavendishsquare.co.uk/

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

All Star Lanes

For an all-American evening of fun, head to All Star Lanes at Brick Lane. They have the usual bites and excellent booze, along with boutique bowling and karaoke. There are two private karaoke booths which can each accommodate up to 14 budding artists.

Address: 95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL      Tel: 020 7426 9200
Website: www.allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/brick-lane

Nearest tube station: Aldgate East

Karaoke Rumble

A sister venture of the hugely popular Star of Bethnal Green, the Star of Kings, at King’s Cross, upholds the reputation of the Stars being the place for comedy, karaoke and chaos – although they have a busy calendar of various other entertainments. There is a great deal of audience participation, be it encouragement or insults but almost always in good humour, so be prepared!

Address: 126 York Way, N1 0AX       Tel: 020 7458 4218
Website: starofkings.co.uk/whats-on/

Nearest tube station: King’s Cross

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

After a recent makeover, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is the new hotspot for those who fancy a spot of bowling with their karaoke. There are eight lanes/karaoke rooms, and an 80-seat diner serving an American menu. For a more private affair hire out the Kingpin Suite. This is the only place in London with a virtual cricket net.

Address: Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU  Tel: 020 7183 1979
Website: bloomsburybowling.com/

Nearest tube station: Russell Square

Molly Moggs

In the heart of Soho, this tiny pub is a well-kept secret. It’s a drag powerhouse but you don’t have to be gay to get in – all are welcome. Monday is open-mic night. Leave your inhibitions at the door and enjoy the wonderful selection of wines, beers, spirits and pub food.

Address: 2 Old Compton St, W1D 4TA        Tel: 020 7434 4294
Website: elizasharp1.wix.com/molly-moggs

Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

Old Queen’s Head

Heritage, haunting and karaoke? The Old Queen’s Head has all three. By order of Islington Council it has to retain its shopfront as it is a Grade II listed building. The pub is said to be haunted by  two ghosts, a woman and a girl. If you’re up for it they have an upstairs karaoke room for up to 15 people that has its very own dressing-up box to help you get into character. Use their booze button to order up food and drinks.

Address: 44 Essex Rd, N1 8LN      Tel: 020 7354 9993
Website: theoldqueenshead.com/  Nearest tube station: Angel

Star of Bethnal Green

This has the scruffy charm of your average East End pub but its relaxed atmosphere, superb menu, DJ and disco nights make it a popular venue. It also boasts a private karaoke room for up to 15 people. Powered by Lucky Voice, it has a listing of almost 10,000 songs so there can be no excuse for not finding your song. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays.

Address: 359 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 6LG     Tel: 020 7458 4480
Website: starofbethnalgreen.co.uk/ Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green

Yes, karaoke is Japan’s gift to the world. This is serious business, so serious that it could decide the size of your next pay cheque. In Japan, it is common to take a client to a karaoke bar, and how well you belt out a number can determine whether you win a contract. Luckily for us in London, it is not that serious here. The most we stand to lose is our inhibitions (not so bad) or our pride (and at least we don’t use that to buy things). But mostly there’s a whole lot to gain – great fun and great memories.

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