sing-a-long
Karaoke bars are all the rage, with more hubs opening throughout London. Dave Songer exercises his vocal chords
Once an embarrassing pastime wheeled out at a Christmas party, singing at the top of your voice is no longer social suicide, thanks to the introduction of dedicated Karaoke bars. Here, singing (or screeching) takes place in soundproof rooms with songs — and necessary lubrication — ordered via a computer and where only your chosen mates are there to pass judgement.This growing phenomenon has given rise to a plethora of Karaoke bars all over London. The Old School Yard in Southwark has a catalogue of more than 8,000 songs in English, or a choice of Japanese, Chinese and Spanish, while Ribbon Restaurant in Farringdon offers facilities for large or small groups.However, if you want to make more of an evening of it, Karaoke Box has three London outlets, with food and drink served, including contemporary cocktails and sake, giving more than enough time to knock out your perfect version of I Will Survive before the microphones are turned off at 3am. Lucky Voice is a similar outfit with branches in Islington and Soho, as well as others around the country. www.theoldschoolyard.com www.ribbonrestaurant.co.uk www.karaokebox.co.uk www.luckyvoice.com
Road distances to London are measured from Trafalgar Square, where you can find a brass plaque marking the "centre of London" near the statue of Charles I.
