Cost of Karaoke in London: Booth Hire, Drinks, and Add-Ons Explained

Want to belt out your favorite tune in London but unsure how much it’ll cost? Karaoke isn’t just about singing-it’s about the whole experience: private booths, drinks, snacks, lighting, and maybe even a professional mic. Prices vary wildly depending on where you go, when you go, and what you add on. Here’s exactly what you’re paying for-and how to avoid overpaying.

Booth Hire: The Base Cost

The core of any karaoke night in London is the booth. Most venues charge by the hour, and rates start around £25 for a small room during off-peak hours (Monday to Thursday before 7 PM). On weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, expect to pay £45-£70 per hour. Popular spots in Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden often charge even more-up to £90/hour for premium booths with better sound systems and LED lighting.

Some places offer flat rates for multi-hour blocks. For example, Sing Sing London charges £120 for three hours on a Friday night, which works out to £40/hour-cheaper than paying hourly. Always ask about package deals. You might save 20-30% by booking longer.

Group size matters too. A booth for 4 people might cost the same as one for 8, so splitting the price among more friends brings the per-person cost down. A group of 6 splitting a £60/hour booth pays just £10 each per hour-way cheaper than a club cover charge.

Drinks: The Hidden Expense

Most karaoke venues in London have a strict drink policy. You can’t bring your own alcohol. Drinks are marked up-sometimes heavily. A pint of lager runs £7-£9. A glass of house wine is £8-£11. Cocktails? Start at £12 and climb to £16 if you’re in a trendy spot like The Singing Pub or Karaoke Box.

Here’s the catch: many places require a minimum spend per person. In places like The Karaoke Company in West London, you might need to spend at least £20 per person on drinks during peak times. That’s not optional-it’s enforced. If you’re planning a night out with 5 friends, that’s £100 just for drinks before you even think about food.

Some venues offer drink packages. For £35 per person, you might get unlimited soft drinks and two alcoholic drinks per hour. That can save you money if your group drinks a lot. But if you’re light on alcohol, it’s a waste. Always ask what’s included before you book.

Add-Ons: What’s Worth It?

Karaoke isn’t just a mic and a screen. Many places push add-ons to boost profits. Here’s what’s actually useful:

• Professional microphones - Some venues upgrade from basic handheld mics to wireless ones with echo effects. These cost £5-£10 extra per mic. If you’re serious about singing, it’s worth it. For casual singers? Skip it.
• Lighting packages - Disco balls, colored spotlights, and strobes add £10-£20 to your bill. Looks great on Instagram. Doesn’t improve your singing.
• Food menus - Most karaoke bars serve bar snacks: nachos, wings, burgers. Prices range from £8-£15 per item. You can easily spend £50+ on food for a group of four. Consider eating before you go.
• Photo booths - A fun gimmick. Costs £15-£25 for a 10-minute session. Great for groups who want keepsakes. Not essential.
• Private event hosting - If you’re celebrating a birthday or work event, some venues offer themed packages with cake, decorations, and a host. These start at £200 for 4 hours. Only worth it if you want zero planning stress.

Most add-ons are upsells. You don’t need them to have a good time. Focus on the booth and drinks. Skip the lights and photo booths unless they’re part of your vibe.

When to Go: Time Matters

Day and time make a huge difference. Karaoke prices drop dramatically outside peak hours. Here’s a quick guide:

• Monday-Thursday, before 7 PM: £25-£35/hour. Quieter, cheaper, better service.
• Friday-Sunday, 7 PM-1 AM: £50-£90/hour. Busy, loud, high demand.
• Weekend brunch karaoke (11 AM-3 PM): Some places like Karaoke Kitchen offer £30/hour with bottomless coffee and pancakes. Surprisingly good value.
• Public holidays: Prices spike. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve can cost double. Book early-or skip it.

Booking a weekday afternoon session? You’ll get better service, more space, and lower prices. Plus, you’ll still have the rest of the night free.

How Much Should You Budget?

Let’s break down a realistic night out for a group of 6:

• Booth hire: £60/hour × 3 hours = £180
• Drinks: £20/person minimum × 6 = £120
• Food: £10/person × 6 = £60
• Add-ons: Wireless mics (£10) + photo booth (£20) = £30
• Total: £390

That’s £65 per person. If you skip food and add-ons, it drops to £300-£50 per person. If you go on a Tuesday at 6 PM, you could cut the booth cost to £30/hour and save another £90.

Here’s a simple rule: Booth + drinks = 80% of your cost. Everything else is optional.

Where to Book: Top Spots in London

Not all karaoke bars are equal. Here are three solid options with clear pricing:

• Sing Sing London (Soho): £45/hour on weekends, £25 on weekdays. Includes 1000+ songs, touchscreens, and a decent sound system. Minimum spend: £20/person.
• Karaoke Box (Shoreditch): £55/hour on weekends. Premium booths with better acoustics. No minimum spend, but drinks are pricier. Great for serious singers.
• The Karaoke Company (West London): £50/hour with a £20/person drink minimum. Good mix of classic and modern songs. Offers lunchtime deals.

Avoid tourist traps near Leicester Square. They charge £70+/hour and have outdated song lists. Stick to places with real reviews on Google or TripAdvisor.

How to Save Money

Want to keep your karaoke night fun without breaking the bank?

• Go on a weekday. Even a Thursday night saves you 30-50%.
• Book early. Many places offer 10% off for bookings made 7+ days in advance.
• Share a booth. Don’t book two small rooms. One big room for 6-8 people is cheaper per head.
• Order water. It’s free at most places. Stay hydrated-you’ll sing better.
• Check for group discounts. Some venues offer 10% off for groups of 8+.
• Bring your own playlist. Some places let you upload songs in advance. Avoid last-minute song searches that eat up your time.

Pro tip: If you’re singing with friends who aren’t great singers, pick a venue with a fun, casual vibe. Places like Karaoke Box can feel intimidating if you’re not confident. Sing Sing is more relaxed and forgiving.

What’s Not Included

Don’t assume anything. Here’s what you’ll likely pay extra for:

• Service charge - Some places add 12.5% automatically. Ask before you book.
• Tax - VAT is included in prices, so no surprise at the end.
• Booking fee - Rare, but some third-party sites charge £5-£10. Book directly.
• Damage deposit - Some places hold your card for £50-£100 if you’re loud or messy. It’s refunded if nothing’s broken.

Always confirm the final price before you pay. Ask: “Is this all-inclusive? Are there hidden fees?”

Final Thoughts

Karaoke in London doesn’t have to be expensive. You can have a great night for under £40 per person if you plan smart. Focus on the essentials: a good booth, decent drinks, and the right time. Skip the flashy add-ons unless they add real value. And remember-your voice is the star. The lights, the mics, the photo booth? They’re just background.