In the heart of Soho lies this small, unassuming karaoke bar. Don’t have a good voice? That’s OK, this isn’t exactly the X Factor – unless you’re talking about the bad auditions, that is. But therein lies the fun. Who knew that murdering a Whitney Houston track could be so much fun?

The Venue
In a recent poll, the British public voted the karaoke machine as their most hated gadget. And there’s no denying that karaoke is the Marmite of social events - whether or not you can stand it usually depending on your own singing talent. Despite this divide, karaoke continues to be a hugely popular way to spend an evening with friends. At Karaoke Box, you can eat, drink and sing in the comfort of your own soundproof booth, without the fear of embarrassing yourself in front of strangers.

Karaoke Box has an understated exterior (completely undecorated except for a bright red sign), and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a licensed private shop. This is Soho, after all, and it is positioned above a tattoo parlour. Inside is a different story.

Although the interior is no oil painting, upon entering, you are met with a narrow, cramped room in which you excitedly give your name and money. If you arrive early, you’ll be able to hear the muffled sounds of people in your room finishing their rendition of We Are Family, and you can have a quick drink at the bar whilst flicking through a huge book of available songs. Decorative touches are kept to a minimum - the walls are a bright, brothel red and the booths themselves, although still bright red, seem dark and in need of a new paint job. They are comfortable, however, and with a choice of six rooms, there is more than enough space to accommodate any number of aspiring vocalists.

The Atmosphere
Entry is free, except after 6pm Thursday to Saturday when there is a £3 charge. Room rates vary from £12-£55 per hour, depending on when you go. Once you have been shown to your private room, a member of staff will ensure you’re happy and have everything you need, and even belt out a song or two to show you how the machine works. The staff are friendly and efficient and - unusually - have the air of people who are happy in their jobs. They take orders for food and drink, which arrive promptly.

The atmosphere at Karaoke Box is relaxed yet upbeat, and assuming you’re in the right mood (probably slightly inebriated) the staff’s enthusiasm is contagious. Unless you are a serious karaoke hater, it is impossible to have anything less than a fun time here, and even if the idea of singing in a dark room sends shivers down your spine, chances are you’ll be a convert by the end. The clientele is mostly a young student crowd.

The Music
What’s your favourite song? Karaoke Box will have it. Probably. There are 5,000 songs to choose from, and if your particular ditty of choice is a little obscure, give them a call ahead of time to request it. They’re pretty accommodating. More obvious, popular songs are almost certainly there, so if you want to belt out a Spice Girls classic you’ll be in luck.

The Food
Although a karaoke bar would not be most people’s first port of call for dinner, there is food available here. Realistically, you need to have booked your booth for at least two hours if you want enough time to sing and eat, although there are basic bar snacks on offer if you don’t want to put your microphone down for the time it would take to eat a whole pizza. The pizzas are pricey but worth ordering for the names alone. Try the Abba or Madonna to get yourselves in the mood to warble.

The Drink
Drinks are also a little on the expensive side but this is Central London. The management are clearly aware of the raucous state a group of karaoke-ers are likely to be in so all drinks are served in plastic cups. There is no beer on tap but there are a few cans to choose from (Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo), and the house wines won’t leave you out of pocket. There’s also a selection of spirits and, as you would expect, Japanese drinks.

The Last Word
Karaoke Box is not a glamorous venue but it’s the perfect setting for a group of friends wanting to have an unpretentious, fun night out. Sing your heart out and have food and drink brought to you all night so you won’t have to put your microphone down – unless somebody else wants a go.

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