Best Karaoke Venues with Themed Rooms in London for Extra Atmosphere

London’s karaoke scene isn’t just about singing off-key in a dimly lit room anymore. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a different world-whether it’s a 90s MTV lounge, a Tokyo izakaya, or a neon-drenched cyberpunk alley-you need a venue with real themed rooms. These aren’t just decorated spaces. They’re immersive experiences built for groups who want more than just a microphone and a screen.

Why Themed Karaoke Rooms Matter

Regular karaoke bars are fine if you just want to belt out a chorus. But if you’re celebrating a birthday, a work night out, or just craving something memorable, a themed room changes everything. The decor, lighting, soundproofing, and even the playlist options are tailored to match the vibe. You don’t just sing-you step into a story.

Studies show that people remember experiences 22% better than facts. That’s why themed karaoke rooms in London have exploded in popularity. People aren’t just looking for a place to sing. They’re looking for a place to feel something. A room that looks like a 1980s arcade? You’ll snap photos before you even touch the mic. A room decked out like a Parisian bistro? You’ll order wine instead of beer. The setting shapes the whole night.

Top 5 Themed Karaoke Venues in London

Not all karaoke spots in London are created equal. Here are the five that stand out for their themed rooms, quality sound systems, and real attention to detail.

1. Karaoke Box London (Shoreditch)

Think Tokyo meets East London. Karaoke Box has 12 private rooms, each with a different theme: one’s a retro 80s arcade with CRT TVs and cassette tapes on the walls, another mimics a Japanese onsen with bamboo panels and soft lantern lighting. The sound system is calibrated for bass-heavy pop and rock-perfect for Ariana Grande or Queen. They even have themed snacks: matcha mochi in the Japanese rooms, nachos in the American diner-style booth.

Booking tip: Request the ‘Neo-Tokyo’ room if you want glowing LED strips and holographic projections that react to your voice. It’s the most popular for Instagram-ready nights.

2. Sing Sing Karaoke (Soho)

This one’s for the glam squad. Sing Sing’s rooms are styled after iconic music videos: one looks like the ‘Thriller’ mansion with fog machines and coffin props, another is a 2000s pop princess fantasy with glitter ceilings and disco balls. The staff dress in costume if you book a themed night. You can request a specific artist’s era-think Spice Girls, Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ visuals, or Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ beach setting.

They’ve got a 20,000-song library with rare remixes and live versions you won’t find on Spotify. The room acoustics are tuned for vocal clarity, so even if you’re not a pro, your voice sounds better than it ever has.

3. The Keg Karaoke (Camden)

Rock and roll lives here. The Keg has rooms styled after legendary concert venues: one’s a replica of the Whisky a Go Go with leather booths and vintage posters, another is a punk garage with spray-painted walls and a broken amp on display. The sound system is built for live band-level distortion, so if you want to scream through ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ or ‘Born to Run,’ this is your spot.

They host weekly ‘Rock Night’ where you can pick from 500 classic rock tracks. Bonus: the bar serves craft beers in growlers and has a jukebox in the lobby that plays only vinyl from the 70s and 80s.

4. KTV London (Brixton)

For those who want to go global, KTV London brings Asian karaoke culture to the UK. Their rooms are modeled after Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok karaoke bars-think plush velvet sofas, low tables with tea sets, and wall-mounted screens with Korean/Chinese subtitles. The playlist includes K-pop, Mandopop, and Thai pop hits you won’t hear anywhere else in the city.

They also offer ‘KTV + BBQ’ packages: order grilled pork skewers and kimchi fried rice while you sing. The lighting dims to warm amber when you start singing, creating a cozy, intimate feel. It’s the only place in London where you can sing ‘Gangnam Style’ with a side of bibimbap.

5. The Velvet Room (Fitzrovia)

This is the hidden gem. No signage, no queue. You need a reservation and a password (texted to you the day before). Inside, it’s a 1920s speakeasy with velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and a jazz band setup. The room you get depends on your booking: one is a Hollywood golden age lounge with black-and-white photos of Sinatra, another is a 1970s disco den with mirror balls and velvet stools.

The playlist is curated by a real music historian. You won’t find pop hits here-you’ll find Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and rare Motown cuts. The microphones are vintage Shure models. It’s karaoke, but elevated. Perfect for couples or small groups who want class with their crooning.

What to Look for in a Themed Karaoke Room

Not every place that says ‘themed’ actually delivers. Here’s what separates the good from the great:

• Sound quality: Look for rooms with dedicated audio engineers or calibrated speakers. Cheap systems make your voice sound tinny or echoey.
• Room size: Most themed rooms in London fit 4-12 people. If you have a group of 15+, check if they offer connecting rooms.
• Food and drink: Themed bars often have matching menus. A 90s room might serve Slush Puppies and Pop-Tarts. A jazz room might offer whiskey flights.
• Booking flexibility: Some places charge by the hour, others by the room. Avoid venues that lock you in for 3+ hours unless you’re planning a big party.
• Photo-friendly features: If you’re posting to Instagram, pick a room with good lighting, props, or backdrops. The neon signs and costume closets matter more than you think.

How to Book Like a Pro

Themed rooms book fast-especially on weekends. Here’s how to get the one you want:

1. Check availability 7-10 days ahead. Most top venues release slots on Mondays at 9 a.m.
2. Use their website, not third-party apps. Some places give better deals or free drinks if you book direct.
3. Ask for a specific room by name when you call. Staff remember requests.
4. Book during off-peak hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m. You’ll get lower rates and more space.
5. Tip: Some venues let you bring your own playlist. Bring a USB with your top 10 songs so you don’t waste time scrolling.

What to Wear

There’s no dress code at most karaoke spots-but themed rooms beg for a little effort. A 90s room? Throw on a flannel or neon tracksuit. A jazz lounge? A little black dress or suit. A punk room? Safety pins and ripped jeans. Even if you’re not going full costume, matching the vibe makes the experience feel more real. People remember how you looked as much as how you sang.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned karaoke-goers mess up. Don’t be one of them.

• Choosing the wrong room: Don’t book a Japanese room if your group doesn’t know any K-pop. Pick a theme everyone will enjoy.
• Ignoring the mic: Test the mic before you start. Some rooms have echo settings you can turn off.
• Drinking too much too fast: Karaoke is fun, but slurring your lyrics isn’t charming. Pace yourself.
• Forgetting the group: Don’t hog the mic. Rotate. Let the quiet ones have their moment.
• Not checking the playlist: Some rooms have limited songs. Ask what’s available before you book.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just Singing

Themed karaoke rooms in London aren’t about talent. They’re about connection. They turn a night out into a shared story. You’re not just singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’-you’re doing it in a room that looks like a 1975 rock concert, with friends laughing, lights flashing, and the smell of popcorn in the air. That’s the magic.

Forget the generic bars. If you want your next karaoke night to be unforgettable, pick a room that feels like a movie set. The music will follow.