In the right place, at the right time, with the right people it can be forgivable/actually enjoyable… hilarious in fact. BarChick has been known to get stuck in to a power ballad or two late at night. We’ve been all over town, and this is how it’s done:
THE BIRDCAGE
This green tiled boozer sits well in theme at the end of Columbia road and its Sunday flower market. One of the last remaining east end boozers to hold tight to its authentic, quirky vibe it’s also a favourite spot to hit the karaoke at the weekend. With slightly wonky locals jostling and joking side by side with east end cool cats the outcome is both delightful and laughably out of tune. We heard that Jay Z and Beyonce recently had a lock-in here… if it’s good enough for them it sure is good enough for us.
Embrace the serenading accordion players, the bartenders dressed as gondoliers, the naked aprons and of course the delicious pizza. But this place gets even better (aside from the gyrating Elvis) they have a wicked karaoke stage, and it seems like everyone who steps foot inside this pizza haven gets involved, so there’s no point crossing the river if you’re shy, or even if you are they have amazing cocktails that will sort you out a treat! Warm up your vocal chords people.
37 Battersea Bridge Road, London, SW11 3BA
Taking place on the first and last Tuesday of each month, Pizza East brings you a theme changing night of karaoke. It’s time and totally acceptable for you to fulfil your fantasies; whether it’s hip hop, power ballads or a pop tunes takeover we get the feeling you won’t be alone. Your ticket will include your karaoke session and also pizzas, salads and carafes of wine to share. Not hungry? There are tickets just for booze and karaoke starting at 9pm.
56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ
This night is legendary, and puts a serious twist on the ancient art of karaoke, forget the Mariah power ballads, this is for all the gangsters out there (and Cher Lloyd). Head down to the Social for their infamous hip hop karaoke night. Rap to some Wu-Tang, spit some lyrics or put on a wig and act crazy like Nicki Minaj. Music and lyrics provided… bling not included. It can now be found on Thursdays, from 7pm to 1am for £5, although if you get on the list it’s only £3 so email them at hiphopkaraokeuk@gmail.com. See you gangsters there.
5 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 7JD
Mahiki might not be everyone’s flex. Lots of rich kids splashing their cash on over priced treasure chests, Champagne, palm trees and Hawaiian flowers. However, get yourself to the No-Tell Motel Room, hidden away downstairs. Bed, sofa, mini kitchen and bathroom, f*ck it move in! You and 25 guests can lounge on the bed, grab a microphone, get in the shower and get singing. Heads up, the taps in the bathroom are the music volume – quite cool Mahiki, well played. If that doesn’t sound good enough you also get your own personal waiter; those idiots in the club don’t even exist.
1 Dover Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4LD
PRIVATE KARAOKE – THE PARADISE
Head to The Paradise and hire yourself their private karaoke room. Accommodating up to 20 guests with a booze button, there won’t be a dry mouth or a quiet moment in the house. Prices change depending on the day of the week. So if you are skint, head there Monday or Tuesday when it’s completely free or during the week for £30 an hour. Want to bag it for the weekend and be centre of attention? This, my friend is all yours and will cost you £40 an hour (minimum booking time is 3 hours! Time to tune up).
19 Kilburn Lane Kensal Green, London, W10 4AE
Lucky Voice is kinda the holy grail of karaoke bars. Each venue is made up of various rooms of different sizes to accommodate the vocal talent of the night. There are LOADS around London, if you ever find yourself in need to burst out into song you’ll be at it in no time. Step into your chosen room (available for people from 4 to 12 singers) and expect some sort of Geisha heaven, order some pizza and get on the mic. For the keen karaoke heads you can actually prepare a playlist beforehand online. Get the wine, beers and spirits in, we suggest the sake. Don’t worry about running out, whack the thirst button and you’ll be sorted in no time.
173 Upper Street, Isligton, London, N1 1RG
Too much singing and to much drinking can only be fun for a while but not down The Old Queens Head, they like to look after you and spice it up in the form of a fancy dress box. With the playlist updating constantly and your own booze button for quick refills you’ll be fully equipped to smash that stage. This room can hold up to 15 people and costs £20 an hour Monday – Thursday and a little more at £40 an hour over the weekend (Sunday is free… why not?).
44 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 8LN
KARAOKE BANGERS
Bon Jovi – Living On A Prayer
Journey – Don’t Stop Believing
Madonna – Like A Virgin
Toto - Africa
Peter Andre – Mysterious Girl
Natalie Imbruglia – Torn
Tina Turner – Simply The Best
Shania Twain – Man I Feel Like A Woman
Whitney Houston – How Will I Know
………and of course….. Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
KARAOKE TO AVOID
Meatloaf - I Would Do Anything For Love - …this bad boy is 12minutes long. NO.
Michael Jackson – Earth Song – at 8 minutes long no one will care. Especially with no trees.
The Proclaimers – I would walk 500 miles – we don’t care how far you would walk.
Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline - This brings us out in hives.
