90s Karaoke Nights in London: Where to Sing, What to Expect

When you walk into a 90s karaoke nights, a themed nightlife experience centered around singing pop, rock, and R&B hits from the 1990s in group settings. Also known as 90s sing-along nights, it’s not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about reliving the era when grunge met pop, Britpop ruled the charts, and everyone had a CD burner. These nights aren’t just about nostalgia. They’re about letting go, screaming along to TLC or Oasis with strangers who become friends by the third chorus of "Wannabe".

What makes a good 90s karaoke night, a social event where groups gather to perform songs from the 1990s in a lively, low-pressure environment isn’t just the playlist. It’s the vibe. The dim lights, the glow sticks, the way the bar staff knows to hand out extra shots when someone belts out "I Want It That Way". You’ll find these nights in places like All Star Lanes London, a venue combining bowling, karaoke, and American diner food for casual group nights, where the lanes double as stages and the air smells like fries and nostalgia. Other spots like hidden basement bars in Shoreditch or retro-themed pubs in Camden keep the 90s alive with themed nights every Thursday or Saturday. These aren’t just karaoke bars—they’re time machines with microphones.

And yes, you can record your performance. But only if you know the karaoke rules London, the unofficial and legal guidelines around singing copyrighted music in public venues. Most venues allow it if you’re not uploading to YouTube or selling clips. If you want to keep your rendition of "No Scrubs" as a keepsake, ask the staff first—some have private recording setups, others will just nod and hand you a USB drive. Don’t risk a ban by trying to livestream without permission. The real rule? Have fun, don’t hog the mic, and never sing "My Heart Will Go On" unless you’re prepared for the crowd to boo.

What you wear matters less than how loud you sing. Flip-flops? Fine. A crop top? Perfect. A full 90s throwback outfit? Even better. These nights don’t care about your dress code—they care that you know the words to "Believe" by Cher. And if you’re bringing a group, pick a venue that lets you reserve a private room. Some places in Soho and Brixton offer them for under £50, complete with a dedicated host and a playlist you can customize.

You’ll also find that these nights attract a mix—students, young professionals, even people in their 40s who still know every lyric to "Smells Like Teen Spirit". It’s not about being good. It’s about being brave. And in London, there’s no shortage of places where bravery is rewarded with cheers, laughter, and maybe a free round.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve lived these nights—the ones where the mic cut out mid-chorus, where someone accidentally sang "Tubthumping" instead of "Torn", where the whole room turned into a dance floor even though no one planned it. These aren’t just events. They’re moments that stick.