Your Guide to Hiring Karaoke Bars in London
When you're in London and the desire for a music session strikes, there's no better way to indulge than by visiting some of the top karaoke bars in the city.
Finding the Best Karaoke Venues Near You
Looking for a spot that fits your vibe and location? Here’s how to narrow down your options:
- Search by neighbourhood: If you're in Greenwich, Westminster, or Canary Wharf, our platform helps you explore karaoke venues nearby. Use location filters to top spots within walking distance or a quick ride away. If you’re near Chinatown, you’ll see spaces with great drinks paired with tasty dim sum. Around Shoreditch, you’ll find large spots for a group night out, especially near Curtain Road.
- Book bars and restaurants with private karaoke space. They offer the perfect ambience for smaller groups or if you want to sing without the typical bar audience. Some spots in Soho, especially around Old Compton Street, combine the luxury of a karaoke bar and cocktail lounge.
- Pick venues with extra entertainment. Camden has venues where you can pair karaoke with pool tables or even retro arcade games. You'll also find bars and restaurants serving special asian food and drinks around Brixton Village, and Market Row – there's always something fun aside from singing!
With real-time availability and instant booking options on Tagvenue, securing your favourite venue is quick and easy.
Fun Icebreakers for Your Karaoke Night
Karaoke's a blast, but getting everyone singing can feel a little nerve-wracking at first, right? Don't worry! With a few fun icebreakers, you'll turn that quiet room into a stage full of confident voices in no time. Here are a few fun ideas to warm up your crew:
- Musical Jenga - So, here's a fun spin on Jenga! Write a different word on each block. When someone pulls a block, make them sing a song with that word. If they can't think of a song or mess up the lyrics, they have to take a drink.
- Lip sync battle - Split into teams to do a lip-syncing battle! Each team picks a song, adds a little choreography, maybe even some costumes, and puts on a show. The crowd will pick the winner based on creativity, energy, and how well you nail those lyrics.
- Musical charades - Split your guests into groups and alternately use body movements, facial expressions, and gestures to act out a song's title or lyrics. The team that correctly guesses the most songs within a set time limit wins the game.
- Blindfolded duet - Pair up your guests and blindfold one person in each pair. The blindfolded one has to trust their partner's directions to sing a duet together. It's all about trust, teamwork, and a lot of fun!
- Microphone roulette - Place song titles in a hat and pass the microphone around. Whoever is holding the mic when the music stops has to sing a few lines of the chosen song from the hat, no matter how obscure or challenging!
Bonus advice: Kick off with a 'Warm-Up Playlist' packed with classic hits and sing-along favourites to get everyone in the mood before the games start. Remember to keep it light, inclusive, and, most importantly, fun! Keep it light and fun with games that match your group's vibe, and make sure no one feels pressured.
How to Create a Killer Playlist For Your Guest List
Creating a killer karaoke playlist that everyone loves can be tricky! You want songs people can't resist singing along to so everyone is happy. Need some pointers? Here are a few tips to help you nail it!
- Know your audience - Your guests' age and music taste really matter! A playlist full of TikTok hits might not land with older colleagues, just like a Boney M session might confuse your Gen Z friends.
- Create a poll - Include a short survey in your invitation to know their favourite song that they can sing from top to bottom.
- Genre galore - Create a playlist that mixes different genres and eras, like pop, rock, R&B, country, or even Bollywood and K-pop if your guests love it. A good variety keeps the vibe upbeat and fun!
- Timeless classics: Don't forget to include some timeless UK classics that everyone can enjoy. Sprinkle them throughout the playlist to keep the momentum going.
- Balance out the difficulty: Go for popular tracks with catchy melodies and easy-to-follow lyrics that aren't too challenging for your guests to sing or dance along to.
- Seasonal tunes: Christmas carols, summer anthems, or fun Halloween tracks; matching your song selection to the season can make things fun.
- Set a finale: Wrap up the night with a song that'll stick in everyone's mind! Pick a crowd favourite or a song that means something special to you and your guests. With the right tune, you'll send everyone off smiling and humming all the way home.
With these tips and a little creativity, your playlists will have your guests singing their hearts out and begging for more. So get ready to crank up the music, and let the good times roll!
FAQs about Karaoke Bars in London
How do you plan a karaoke party in London?
Organising a night at these musical spots is quite straightforward. Most of these venues will provide the essentials for your party, including a DJ, setup, food, and drinks. Your task is to find your favourite bar, send out the invites, and sort out all the details of your booking with the venue manager.
What are some highly recommended karaoke bars in London?
Here are our top picks:
- Karaoke Den at The Fox, Shoreditch: A perfect musical spot near the Old Street station for friendly gatherings and birthday parties.
- The Exhibit: This sophisticated karaoke bar and restaurant in Balham is spacious enough for sizable groups. Notable for its drink menu and extensive song collection.
- MAMAs Private Karaoke Rooms: Top-rated hotel and bar venue with a private Japanese-style karaoke room boasting a cosy atmosphere! It's a prime choice for corporate events and team bonding.
What are some great songs to include in a karaoke event?
Choosing songs that resonate with your group is essential for a successful event. According to industry mags, the top three most popular tunes for karaoke in the UK are 'Mr Brightside' by the Killers, 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA, and 'Valerie' by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse. A good rule of thumb is to prioritise high-energy tunes with familiar lyrics.
How can you organise a cheap karaoke party in London?
Here are a few easy tips to help you ensure your event stays under budget:
- Choose budget-friendly venues - Look for venues that offer affordable rates for room rental or per-song charges. Some places even offer specials or discounts on certain nights.
- Split costs - Splitting the cost of room rentals or drinks can significantly reduce individual spending.
- Limit drink purchases - Limiting alcohol consumption can help keep costs down. Choose non-alcoholic beverages or set a budget for drinks beforehand.
- BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) - Many venues allow patrons to bring homemade treats or snacks from home.