Getting Your Karaoke On

Karaoke can make you feel 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. As human beings, we can’t help it. Even if we can’t sing, we enjoy music, which is why karaoke will never die.

Bunga Bunga

Renowned for its Saturday Party Brunch, Bunga Bunga is really famous for karaoke. With a state-of-the-art karaoke system, thousands of songs on its menu and new ones added every week, there is at least one tune to inspire you to sing – and many more for the less-inhibited. For true brave hearts, there is the opportunity to be ‘Karaokeus Maximus’ performing in front of the crowd on the stage. For seasoned singers, ‘Drag-e-oke’ happens at the Saturday Party Brunch, while shy creatures can book the House of Peroni private dining room for more secluded fun. Even though they don’t take themselves too seriously – it’s a kitsch bar dedicated to infamous Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, after all – they are very serious about food, drink and entertainment.

Address: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3BA Tel: 0207 095 0360
Website: bungabunga-london.com/  Nearest train station: Battersea Park

Lucky Voice

If only there was a place you could tune your vocal cords 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 their extensive list of songs, order food and drink without leaving your pod via touchscreen, and then you’re basically set for a wonderful evening’s singalong.

Address: 52 Poland Street, London W1F 7NQ Tel: 0207 439 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 they offer private rooms for the ultimate party experience, have a staggering collection of 60,000 songs, space to dance and staff who are efficient without being intrusive. Being this popular though, makes for one drawback –  be sure to book well in advance if you want to get through the door.

Address: 189 Piccadilly, London 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 – 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. They are also the only karaoke bar with a Russian-only karaoke machine (with over 9,000 songs) fitted in their Luxury Room. Children accompanied by adults are allowed up to 6pm; bookings essential.

Address: Basement Level, 14 Maddox Street, London W1S 1PQ Tel: 0207 493 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 according to difficulty level, so choose accordingly and get rapping!

Address: 5 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JD  Tel: 0207 636 4992
Website: www.hiphopkaraoke.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

The Phoenix

Situated in central London, the Phoenix is a popular party venue. They boast a packed entertainment calendar – from stand-up comedy to new material night to, of course, karaoke. Whether mass karaoke, singalong Fridays, pop or indie night, there is always something to sing about!

Address: 37 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PP  Tel: 0207 493 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 booths for karaoke, which can accommodate up to 14 budding artists.

Address: 95 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL  Tel: 0207 426 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 full 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, London N1 0AX  Tel: 0207 458 4218
Website: starofkings.co.uk/whats-on/ Nearest tube station: King’s Cross St. Pancras

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

After a recent makeover, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is the new hot spot 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 also the only place in London with a virtual cricket net.

Address: Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 9EU  Tel: 0207 183 1979
Website: bloomsburybowling.com/ Nearest tube station: Russell Square

Molly Moggs

In the heart of Soho, this tiny, intimate 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 here. 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 Street, London W1D 4TA  Tel: 0207 434 4294
Website: elizasharp1.wix.com/molly-moggs  Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

Old Queen’s Head

Heritage and haunting and karaoke? The Old Queen’s Head has all three. By order of Islington Council, they have to retain their 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 that can accommodate up to 15 people and 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 Road, London N1 8LN  Tel: 0207 354 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 hot spot. It also boasts a private karaoke room, which can accommodate 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 obviously more expensive than weekdays.

Address: 359 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6LG Tel: 0207 458 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 gain or lose a contract. Luckily for us in London, even though it is serious business, it is not that serious. The most we stand to lose is our inhibitions (not so bad) or our pride (at least we don’t use it to buy things). But mostly there’s a whole lot to gain – great fun and great memories.

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