Best karaoke bars in Edinburgh

Edinburgh karaoke bars for private rooms, group parties and public singalongs

Karaoke in Edinburgh ranges from small private rooms for a few friends to public singalong nights in lively city-centre pubs.

The best format depends on the group. A birthday party may benefit from a private room, table service and a fixed booking time. A work social may need space for 15 to 30 guests, food packages and additional activities. Solo visitors and smaller groups may prefer public karaoke, where there is no room fee and performers sing in front of the wider bar.

Edinburgh’s principal karaoke venues are concentrated in the New Town and Old Town. SUPERCUBE provides a dedicated private-room experience on George Street. Sing City operates four themed rooms inside The City Cafe on Blair Street. Roxy Lanes combines karaoke with bowling, pool and shuffleboard on Rose Street, while The Black Rose Tavern offers a more traditional public karaoke night in a rock-focused pub.

The differences are significant.

Private-room venues normally require advance payment, impose capacity limits and charge by the hour or by person. Public karaoke is less predictable but can feel more spontaneous and sociable. Some venues welcome under-18s during defined daytime periods, while others operate primarily as adult late-night bars.

Before booking, groups should check:

• Room capacity
• Minimum group size
• Session length
• Total room or per-person cost
• Deposit requirements
• Cancellation terms
• Age restrictions
• Identification requirements
• Food and drink arrangements
• Accessibility
• Whether songs can be requested in advance
• Whether the room is private
• The number of microphones
• The latest permitted entry time
• Whether the booking can be extended

This guide compares Edinburgh’s main karaoke venues and explains how to choose an experience suitable for the group, budget and occasion.

How the karaoke venues were selected

The venues were considered against factors relevant to people planning a karaoke night in Edinburgh:

• Current karaoke availability: Each venue must currently provide private karaoke rooms or a recognisable public karaoke event.
• Quality of the format: The sound system, song-selection process, room layout and general organisation should support an enjoyable session.
• Group suitability: The selection includes options for couples, small groups, large parties and public participation.
• Price transparency: Preference is given to venues that publish room rates or per-person prices.
• Booking clarity: Useful venues explain session lengths, deposits, capacities and cancellation terms.
• Location: Each venue is in central Edinburgh and practical for a wider evening out.
• Food and drink: The availability of drinks, snacks, meals or table service can materially affect a group booking.
• Additional entertainment: Bowling and other activities are considered where they contribute to the event.
• Age and licensing information: Venues should make it possible to establish whether under-18s can attend and when identification may be required.
• Distinctiveness: The guide covers different karaoke experiences rather than several nearly identical private-room businesses.

Opening hours, prices and event schedules can change. Groups should confirm current details directly, particularly during the Edinburgh festivals, Christmas, Hogmanay and university freshers’ periods.

Private-room karaoke or public karaoke?

The first decision is whether the group wants a private room or a public stage.

Private karaoke rooms

A private room is reserved for one group.

Common advantages include:

• No need to perform in front of strangers
• More songs during the session
• Control over the room’s atmosphere
• Easier conversation between performances
• A defined start and finish time
• Better suitability for birthdays and work socials
• Ability to order drinks to the room
• Space for decorations where permitted
• Predictable group capacity
• Less pressure on nervous singers

Private rooms are especially useful when the group includes people who enjoy singing but would not volunteer in a busy public bar.

The main limitations are cost and timing. The session begins and ends at specific times, and arriving late usually reduces the usable singing period. Some venues require payment based on the booked group size even if several guests fail to attend.

Public karaoke

Public karaoke takes place in the main bar, usually with a host managing the queue.

Advantages include:

• No private-room hire charge
• A larger audience
• More spontaneous atmosphere
• Opportunity for solo visitors to participate
• Interaction with other performers
• Greater variety in singing ability and music choice
• No need to organise a large group

The experience depends heavily on the crowd, host and number of singers.

A busy public night may allow only one or two songs per person. A quieter session may provide more opportunities but less atmosphere. The queue can also become unpredictable because performers submit tracks throughout the evening.

The Black Rose Tavern is the principal public-karaoke option in this guide. SUPERCUBE, Sing City and Roxy Lanes provide private rooms.

How much does karaoke cost in Edinburgh?

The current published prices show three main charging models.

The lowest headline price does not necessarily produce the lowest total.

SUPERCUBE charges for the room rather than each person. A £65 room shared between ten guests works out at £6.50 per person per hour. The same room used by four guests would cost £16.25 per person per hour.

Sing City and Roxy Lanes charge by person, making the calculation easier but potentially more expensive for a large group.

Other costs may include:

• Drinks
• Food
• Booking fees
• Deposits
• Minimum spend
• Decorations
• Cake service
• Additional activities
• Extended room time
• Late cancellation charges
• Transport
• Cloakroom charges
• Service charge on food packages

Groups should calculate the full expected price rather than comparing only the advertised room rate.

Understanding room capacities

Karaoke venues often publish both a comfortable capacity and a legal maximum.

These are not the same.

A room described as comfortable for ten people may legally hold 14. Filling it to the maximum can reduce seating, movement and visibility of the screen. It can also become warm during an energetic session.

When comparing capacities, consider:

• How many seats are available?
• Will everyone be able to see the lyrics?
• Is the group likely to stand and dance?
• Are coats and bags stored inside the room?
• Will food be served?
• Does anyone require extra personal space?
• Is there room for mobility equipment?
• Will guests enter and leave frequently?
• Is the published figure a comfortable or legal capacity?

For an important celebration, choosing a room one size larger can be worthwhile where the price difference is reasonable.

How long should a karaoke booking be?

A one-hour booking can pass quickly.

Time is used by:

• Arrival and check-in
• Explanation of the system
• Choosing the first songs
• Ordering drinks
• Changing singers
• Group photographs
• Toilet breaks
• Resolving technical questions

For four to six people, 90 minutes may provide a good introduction.

For groups of eight or more, two hours is usually more comfortable. A three-hour session can work for enthusiastic singers, but it may be excessive where karaoke is only one part of a longer evening.

A typical four-minute song means a one-hour session theoretically contains around 15 tracks. In practice, pauses and song selection reduce this number.

A ten-person group may therefore receive only one complete solo turn each during a one-hour booking unless guests sing together.

SUPERCUBE

Media credits: supercubeuk

Phone: 0131 226 4218

Opening pattern:

• Open seven days a week
• Approximately 2 AM closing Sunday to Thursday
• Approximately 3 AM closing Friday and Saturday
• Last entry is normally 1 AM Sunday to Thursday and 2 AM Friday and Saturday

Website

SUPERCUBE is Edinburgh’s most specialised private-room karaoke venue.

The George Street site contains seven rooms in five capacity categories, ranging from compact rooms intended for three to five people to a larger room suited to groups of approximately 15 to 20.

Each room is hired privately. The group selects songs, controls the queue and performs without sharing the space with other customers.

SUPERCUBE recommends capacities based on comfort rather than simply listing the legal maximum:

These distinctions are useful when planning a party. A group of 14 can legally fit into a medium room, but SUPERCUBE recommends the large room for that number.

Current George Street room prices are:

The venue defines its peak and off-peak periods through its booking system. December may operate under separate seasonal pricing.

Advance bookings normally require a minimum two-hour session. The smallest mini rooms can be booked for 90 minutes. Walk-in customers can book for one hour where a room is available.

Sessions can be extended in 15-minute increments, subject to the following booking and staff availability. The maximum advance-bookable session is generally three hours.

A deposit is required to secure a reservation. Groups should read the current terms before paying, as the treatment of cancellations, reduced attendance and late arrival can depend on the booking circumstances.

SUPERCUBE uses in-room technology for song selection and service. Guests can choose tracks without leaving the room and order drinks and snacks during the session.

The venue advertises a large multilingual catalogue containing tens of thousands of tracks. The exact number changes as songs are added, so customers seeking a particular artist, language or specialist genre should search the catalogue or contact the venue in advance.

Food is focused on party-friendly snacks rather than a full restaurant service. Available items can include pizzas, nachos and popcorn alongside soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

George Street is one of Edinburgh’s main evening districts. The venue is within walking distance of Princes Street, Queen Street, Charlotte Square and central New Town hotels.

Late-night licensing makes SUPERCUBE particularly suitable for adult birthday groups, hen and stag celebrations and post-dinner bookings.

Children and teenagers can attend designated daytime sessions under the venue’s separate party rules. The general late-night experience should not be assumed to be open to under-18s.

Facilities include

• Seven private karaoke rooms
• Five room-size categories
• Rooms for small and larger groups
• In-room song selection
• In-room ordering
• Wireless microphones
• Large multilingual music catalogue
• Drinks
• Pizzas and snacks
• Late-night opening
• Online booking
• Walk-in availability
• Children’s and teenage party sessions
• Gift vouchers
• George Street location

Best suited to: Groups that want a dedicated karaoke venue, a completely private room and a price shared across the group rather than charged individually.

Pros

• Edinburgh venue focused specifically on karaoke
• Seven private rooms
• Comfortable capacities clearly distinguished from legal limits
• Suitable for groups of approximately three to twenty
• Room-based pricing can offer strong value for larger groups
• Late opening throughout the week
• Walk-ins accepted when rooms are available
• Songs and refreshments controlled from inside the room
• Large multilingual catalogue
• Children’s and teenage sessions available at permitted times
• Central George Street location

Sing City

Media credits: thecitycafe

Phone: 0131 220 0125

Venue hours:

• Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
• Sunday to Wednesday: 12 PM to midnight

Standard karaoke booking availability:

• Thursday to Sunday from 4 PM until late
• Other times may be available by direct enquiry

Website

Sing City operates four themed private karaoke rooms inside The City Cafe on Blair Street.

The venue’s position in the Old Town makes it practical for groups meeting around the Royal Mile, Cowgate, South Bridge or Edinburgh Waverley station.

Bookings are available for groups of five to 30.

The four rooms are:

• 90s: Up to approximately 16 guests
• Hollywood: Up to approximately 15 or 16 guests
• New York: Up to approximately 16 guests
• Las Vegas: Intended for groups of approximately 16 to 30

The themed design gives Sing City more of a party-room character than a conventional pub booth. Neon lighting, decorative features and private-room styling make it suitable for birthdays, hen parties, graduation celebrations and work groups.

Current standard prices are:

• 90 minutes: £10 per person
• Two hours: £12.50 per person
• Three hours: £17.50 per person

This means a ten-person group would currently pay:

• £100 for 90 minutes
• £125 for two hours
• £175 for three hours

The two-hour booking offers a useful balance for most groups. It costs only £2.50 more per person than the 90-minute session but provides an additional 30 minutes.

The karaoke rooms are normally available to book from Thursday to Sunday after 4 PM. Sing City may consider bookings outside these standard times where the group contacts the venue directly.

Guests enter through The City Cafe. On arrival, the group should report to the upstairs bar rather than searching for a separate karaoke entrance.

A member of staff then takes the group to the room and explains the karaoke system.

Drinks can be ordered during the session. Pre-ordered drinks are delivered to the room, while staff can also take orders after the group arrives.

The connection with The City Cafe gives Sing City access to a fuller food-and-drink operation than a standalone booth venue. Groups can potentially eat before or after karaoke, subject to table availability and current kitchen hours.

The room-hire payment is taken when the booking is made.

Sing City currently offers a refund where a booking is cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice. Booking fees are non-refundable. Cancellations inside the notice period may not qualify for a refund.

Changes to group numbers should be made by email. Groups should not simply arrive with substantially more people than booked because the assigned room has a fixed capacity.

The venue’s standard minimum party size is five. A smaller group can enquire directly, but the online booking system is structured around the published minimum.

Facilities include

• Four themed private rooms
• Rooms for five to 30 guests
• 90-minute, two-hour and three-hour sessions
• In-room drinks ordering
• Pre-ordered drinks
• The City Cafe food and bar
• Online booking
• Old Town location
• Large-group room
• Staff introduction to the system
• Private party environment
• Refunds with sufficient cancellation notice

Best suited to: Birthday, hen, work and student groups that want a themed private room in the Old Town with simple per-person pricing.

Pros

• Four themed karaoke rooms
• Capacity for groups of up to 30
• Clear per-person pricing
• Good-value two-hour option
• Drinks can be delivered to the room
• Access through an established bar and restaurant
• Central Blair Street location
• Useful for groups meeting around the Old Town
• Refund available with more than 72 hours’ notice
• Other booking times considered by enquiry
• Large Las Vegas room for bigger parties

The Black Rose Tavern

Media credits: 28louie

Phone: 0131 220 0414

Opening pattern:

• Monday to Saturday: Approximately 11 AM to 1 AM
• Sunday: Approximately 12:30 PM to 1 AM

Website

The Black Rose Tavern provides a public karaoke experience rather than private-room hire.

The Rose Street pub is known for rock, metal and alternative music, with dark wood, gothic-influenced decoration and a small performance area.

Its established karaoke session is generally associated with Wednesday evenings. Event schedules can change, so visitors should confirm that karaoke is taking place before travelling specifically for it.

Public karaoke follows a different rhythm from SUPERCUBE, Sing City or Roxy Lanes.

Performers request a song from the host and wait for their turn. Everyone sings in the main bar, and the wider audience becomes part of the experience.

This format is particularly suitable for:

• Solo visitors
• Couples
• Small groups
• Confident performers
• People who enjoy watching other singers
• Visitors unwilling to pay for a private room
• Fans of rock and alternative music
• Groups looking for an unstructured midweek night

The crowd and available songs are not restricted entirely to rock and metal, but the overall venue identity is more alternative than Edinburgh’s mainstream private karaoke rooms.

There is no separate private-room charge. Customers buy their own food and drinks and join the public singing queue.

The Black Rose serves pub food and drinks throughout much of the day and evening. Its menu includes burgers, sharing food and traditional pub dishes, making it possible to eat before karaoke begins.

The original guide recommended a particular food dish as though its quality could be guaranteed. Food preparation and menus can change, so diners should review the current offering rather than relying on a permanent recommendation.

Because the karaoke is public, groups should not expect every member to perform several times. The number of songs available depends on attendance and the host’s running order.

Guests should also confirm:

• The karaoke start time
• Whether the event is running that week
• The latest time for song requests
• The venue’s current age policy
• Whether a table booking is advisable
• Kitchen closing time
• Accessibility requirements

The Black Rose is compact and can become busy. Arriving earlier may make it easier to find seating and submit an initial song.

The experience includes

• Public karaoke
• Hosted song queue
• Rock and alternative atmosphere
• Main-bar performance area
• Pub food
• Beer, spirits and cocktails
• Central Rose Street location
• Live music and other entertainment on selected nights
• No private-room hire required
• Opportunity for solo singers

Best suited to: Individuals and small groups seeking public karaoke in a lively rock pub rather than a prepaid private room.

Pros

• Public karaoke with no room-hire requirement
• Strong rock and alternative identity
• Welcoming format for solo singers
• Opportunity to watch other performers
• Food and drinks available
• Central Rose Street location
• Open late throughout the week
• Suitable for an informal midweek night
• No minimum private-party size
• Distinct atmosphere compared with booth venues

Roxy Lanes

Media credits: roxylanesuk

Phone: 0131 370 3400

Opening hours:

• Monday: 3 PM to 11 PM
• Tuesday: 3 PM to 11 PM
• Wednesday: 3 PM to 11 PM
• Thursday: 12 PM to midnight
• Friday: 12 PM to 12:30 AM
• Saturday: 11 AM to 12:30 AM
• Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM

Website

Roxy Lanes is a large competitive-socialising venue combining private karaoke with bowling and bar games.

The Rose Street site contains two karaoke rooms:

• Karaoke 1: Capacity of up to 25 people
• Karaoke 2: Capacity of up to 15 people

This makes Roxy particularly suitable for medium and larger groups that want karaoke to form part of a broader activity night.

Current karaoke pricing is:

• £8 per person per hour during off-peak periods
• £10 per person per hour during peak periods

Off peak currently covers Sunday to Wednesday, while Thursday to Saturday is treated as peak.

A minimum of four people applies to Saturday karaoke bookings.

The venue also sells mix-and-match activity packages. Current headline packages include two or three activities at a combined per-person rate, subject to the selected games and booking conditions.

Groups can combine karaoke with:

• Ten-pin bowling
• Duckpin bowling
• American pool
• Crazy pool
• Shuffleboard
• Bank-shot shuffleboard
• Ice-free curling
• Beer pong
• Live-sport viewing

This range makes Roxy a strong option where not everyone wants to sing for an entire evening.

A group could book karaoke followed by bowling, or divide the party between activities before meeting for food and drinks. Organisers should avoid scheduling activities too tightly because check-in, moving around the venue and ordering refreshments take time.

Food is centred on casual group dining, including pizzas, burgers, chicken and sharing sides. The drinks menu includes draught beer, cider, cocktails and alcohol-free choices.

Roxy allows under-18s during permitted periods and publishes discounted activity prices for younger guests. The exact age cut-off time and supervision rules should be confirmed for the planned booking.

The venue is on basement level.

A customer lift normally provides access to the venue, but the operator currently states that the lift is out of service. This is a material consideration for wheelchair users and anyone unable to use stairs.

An accessible toilet is available on the basement floor, but it is of limited use where a customer cannot reach the venue while the lift remains unavailable.

Anyone with mobility requirements should contact Roxy before booking and obtain current confirmation that the lift is operational.

Karaoke-room accessibility should also be checked separately, as reaching the main venue does not automatically establish that every activity space has step-free access.

Facilities include

• Two private karaoke rooms
• Capacity for groups of up to 15 or 25
• Per-person hourly pricing
• Off-peak and peak rates
• Ten-pin and duckpin bowling
• Pool and shuffleboard
• Ice-free curling
• Food menu
• Cocktails, beer and alcohol-free drinks
• Combined activity packages
• Party and corporate enquiries
• Under-18 activity pricing
• Central Rose Street location

Best suited to: Groups that want to combine private karaoke with bowling, games, food and drinks in one central venue.

Pros

• Two private karaoke rooms
• Largest room accommodates up to 25 guests
• Clear off-peak and peak prices
• Karaoke available from £8 per person per hour
• Wide selection of additional activities
• Mix-and-match packages
• Food and cocktails available
• Suitable for birthdays and work socials
• Under-18 pricing available during permitted periods
• Central location near Princes Street
• Large venue suited to multi-activity events

Which Edinburgh karaoke venue may suit the occasion?

The four venues serve different needs.

For a dedicated private karaoke night

SUPERCUBE is the clearest choice.

Its entire venue is built around private karaoke, and it provides a wider selection of room sizes than the other options.

Room-based pricing can also offer strong value where the cost is divided among a group close to the room’s recommended capacity.

For a large themed party

Sing City’s Las Vegas room accommodates groups of approximately 16 to 30.

Its connection with The City Cafe makes it particularly useful for parties wanting food, drinks and karaoke in one Old Town location.

For karaoke and additional games

Roxy Lanes offers the broadest combined entertainment.

Groups can sing, bowl, play pool and add food without travelling between several venues.

For public karaoke

The Black Rose Tavern is the principal option.

It is more appropriate for solo singers and smaller groups that want to participate in a wider bar rather than pay for a private session.

For late-night karaoke

SUPERCUBE usually remains open until approximately 2 AM during the week and 3 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Last-entry times apply, and late sessions should be booked rather than relying on walk-in availability.

For under-18s

SUPERCUBE offers designated children’s and teenage sessions.

Roxy Lanes permits under-18s during defined periods and publishes reduced activity pricing.

The exact supervision, identification and latest attendance rules should be confirmed directly before booking.

Planning a birthday party

Karaoke works well for birthdays because it creates a shared activity without requiring every guest to perform alone.

Before reserving, establish:

• Final guest number
• Age range
• Preferred session length
• Food requirements
• Cake policy
• Decoration rules
• Arrival time
• Deposit
• Cancellation terms
• Accessibility
• Song preferences
• Whether other activities are wanted
• Whether the group will continue elsewhere afterwards

A room booked exactly to its legal maximum can feel crowded once coats, bags, food and drinks are added.

For a significant birthday, a more comfortable room is usually preferable to squeezing into the least expensive option.

Groups bringing a cake should ask:

• Can the venue store it?
• Are candles permitted?
• Is a knife provided?
• Is there a cake-service charge?
• Can plates be supplied?
• Can decorations be attached to walls?
• Are confetti and glitter prohibited?
• How early can organisers arrive?

Do not assume outside food is permitted merely because a birthday cake is allowed.

Hen and stag karaoke

Private karaoke is popular for hen and stag groups because it allows personalised songs, costumes and group performances.

Organisers should confirm:

• Fancy-dress policy
• Behaviour standards
• Alcohol-service rules
• Deposit terms
• Large-group capacity
• Whether the venue accepts stag groups
• Latest admission time
• Identification requirements
• Decoration policy
• Whether performers may bring props
• Transport to the next booking

A group that arrives significantly intoxicated may be refused admission even where the room has already been paid for.

Private hire does not exempt guests from licensing conditions or venue conduct rules.

SUPERCUBE and Sing City are strong options where karaoke is the main event. Roxy Lanes may work better where the group wants several activities.

Work socials and team events

Karaoke can be effective for team socials, but not every employee will be comfortable singing.

A more inclusive event may combine:

• Group songs
• Optional participation
• Food
• Bowling or other games
• A private rather than public room
• A reasonable finish time
• Alcohol-free drinks
• Accessible facilities
• Clear expense limits

Roxy Lanes is particularly suitable where different activities are needed.

Sing City’s larger room can accommodate a team of up to 30, while SUPERCUBE offers several room sizes for smaller departments.

The organiser should avoid pressuring employees to perform. Karaoke works best when watching, choosing songs and joining group choruses are accepted as valid participation.

Student karaoke

Edinburgh’s large student population creates strong demand for affordable group entertainment.

Students should compare:

• Per-person price
• Room-based price divided among the group
• Weekday discounts
• Walk-in offers
• Student identification requirements
• Minimum group size
• Drinks prices
• Public transport home

Off-peak bookings usually offer better value.

SUPERCUBE’s off-peak room price can be economical when divided among a full group. Roxy Lanes also provides lower Sunday-to-Wednesday rates and promotes student offers subject to its current terms.

Sing City’s fixed per-person structure makes it easier to collect money from a group before booking.

Song catalogues

A large catalogue is useful, but headline song numbers do not guarantee that every preferred track is available.

Catalogues can differ in:

• Current chart music
• Rock and metal
• Musical theatre
• Country
• Scottish music
• Older standards
• Foreign-language songs
• Explicit versions
• Duets
• Key changes
• Live versions
• Instrumental quality

Someone planning a themed event should contact the venue before paying.

Examples include:

• Eurovision nights
• Musical-theatre birthdays
• Korean-pop parties
• Country karaoke
• Rock and metal groups
• Spanish-language singing
• Children’s film songs
• A tribute to a specific artist

A venue may be able to confirm the catalogue but not add an unlicensed backing track on request.

How many microphones are provided?

Private karaoke rooms commonly provide two microphones, allowing duets and group performances.

The exact equipment should be confirmed where:

• The group wants three or more simultaneous singers
• A microphone stand is needed
• A performer requires seated access
• The session includes speeches
• The organiser wants to connect another device
• Professional recording is planned

Guests should not bring their own microphone or connect equipment without permission.

The room’s sound system is configured for the venue’s equipment, and unauthorised connections could cause damage or technical problems.

Can guests order drinks inside the room?

SUPERCUBE supports in-room ordering.

Sing City can deliver pre-ordered drinks and take orders during the session.

Roxy Lanes provides food and drinks within a larger gaming venue, although the exact service method can depend on the booking.

Ordering during a short session consumes singing time. Pre-ordering an initial round can therefore be useful.

Groups should also ask whether:

• A minimum spend applies
• Table service is included
• Individual payment is possible
• Water is freely available
• Food can be eaten in the room
• Glass is permitted
• Drinks must remain inside
• Service charge applies

Responsible alcohol-service rules continue to apply inside private rooms.

Age restrictions and identification

Edinburgh karaoke venues operate under alcohol and entertainment licensing conditions.

Age rules vary by venue, day and time.

Possible requirements include:

• Under-18s must leave by a set time
• Children must remain with an adult
• Teenage parties must be alcohol-free
• Adult bookings may operate a Challenge 25 policy
• Passport or driving licence may be required
• Photographs of identification may not be accepted
• Student cards may not prove age
• Every member of a late-night group may need identification

SUPERCUBE provides separate children’s and teenage booking periods.

Roxy Lanes allows under-18s during designated hours and provides reduced activity prices.

The Black Rose Tavern should be contacted directly regarding under-18 access, particularly on karaoke nights.

Sing City bookings take place inside a licensed bar and restaurant, so the relevant age and supervision terms should be checked before booking a mixed-age group.

Accessibility

Accessibility requires venue-specific confirmation.

Questions may include:

• Is the entrance step-free?
• Is a lift required?
• Is the lift currently working?
• Is the karaoke room itself step-free?
• Is there an accessible toilet?
• Can a wheelchair fit comfortably inside the room?
• Can seating be rearranged?
• Is there space for a personal assistant?
• Can lyrics be enlarged?
• Are flashing lights used?
• Can lighting effects be reduced?
• Is there an induction loop?
• Is the venue suitable for assistance dogs?
• Is there a quiet waiting area?
• How loud is the room?

Roxy Lanes is located in a basement. Its customer lift is currently reported as out of service, making the venue inaccessible to customers unable to use the stairs until the problem is resolved.

This status may change, so it should be checked directly before booking.

Historic and basement premises elsewhere in central Edinburgh can also contain narrow stairways or restricted layouts. A venue’s main entrance being accessible does not establish that every karaoke room is suitable.

Noise and sensory considerations

Karaoke rooms can be loud, enclosed and visually stimulating.

They may include:

• Flashing lights
• Bright screens
• Coloured LEDs
• Loud backing tracks
• Several people singing simultaneously
• Limited natural light
• Warm temperatures
• Closely spaced seating

Guests with sensory sensitivities should ask whether:

• Volume can be reduced
• Lighting effects can be disabled
• The door can remain partially open
• A quieter room is available
• Breaks are permitted
• Ear protection can be worn
• The room has independent ventilation
• An earlier, quieter session can be booked

A private room gives the group more control than public karaoke, but it is still an entertainment environment designed around amplified music.

Booking deposits and cancellations

Each venue uses different terms.

SUPERCUBE

A deposit is required to secure an advance reservation. Customers should review the current booking terms for cancellations, attendance changes and late arrival.

Sing City

The room-hire payment is collected when booking.

A refund is available where more than 72 hours’ cancellation notice is provided. Booking fees remain non-refundable.

Roxy Lanes

Payment and cancellation conditions depend on the activity booking and package. The terms displayed during checkout should be read before payment.

Black Rose Tavern

Public karaoke does not involve private-room hire, but any table or group reservation may have separate conditions.

Groups should retain the confirmation email and note the deadline for amendments.

Arriving late

Private karaoke sessions normally end at the original finish time, even where the group arrives late.

A booking from 8 PM to 10 PM will not automatically move to 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM because guests were delayed.

Groups should plan to arrive:

• Around 15 minutes before a normal private booking
• Earlier where identification checks are expected
• Earlier for a large group
• Earlier when food is being ordered
• Earlier during the Edinburgh festivals
• Earlier when the venue is difficult to locate

Sing City customers should report to staff inside The City Cafe.

SUPERCUBE customers should confirm the reception and last-entry arrangements.

Roxy groups may need time to check in for several activities.

Edinburgh Festival and Christmas bookings

Demand rises substantially during:

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• Edinburgh International Festival
• Christmas party season
• Hogmanay
• University freshers’ weeks
• Graduation periods
• Major rugby weekends
• Bank holidays

During these periods:

• Peak pricing may apply more widely
• Deposits may increase
• Minimum spends may be introduced
• Late sessions may sell out
• Traffic and taxis become less predictable
• December room rates may differ
• Cancellation terms may become stricter

Work Christmas parties should normally book well before December.

Festival visitors should avoid relying on walk-in availability for a group.

Food before or during karaoke

The best food arrangement depends on session length.

Eating before karaoke

Advantages include:

• More singing time
• Less mess in the room
• Easier conversation
• Reduced risk of delayed food service
• Better choice of restaurant

Eating during karaoke

Advantages include:

• Group remains together
• No need for a separate reservation
• Useful for longer sessions
• Suitable for informal party food

SUPERCUBE offers snacks and pizzas.

Sing City benefits from The City Cafe’s wider food operation.

Roxy Lanes offers burgers, pizzas, chicken and sharing dishes.

The Black Rose Tavern serves pub food before and during much of the evening.

Kitchen hours may end before the venue closes.

Transport and late-night travel

All four venues are centrally located.

SUPERCUBE

George Street is close to Princes Street tram stops, New Town bus routes and central taxi ranks.

Sing City

Blair Street is near the Royal Mile, South Bridge, Cowgate and Edinburgh Waverley station.

Black Rose Tavern and Roxy Lanes

Both are on Rose Street, close to Princes Street, the tram and major bus routes.

After late sessions, groups should consider:

• Last train times
• Last tram times
• Night buses
• Taxi demand
• Larger vehicles for groups
• Safe walking routes
• Phone battery
• Separate travel plans for guests leaving early

A room that finishes at 2 AM requires a different transport plan from an early-evening family session.

Public karaoke etiquette

Public karaoke is more enjoyable when singers respect the host and other performers.

Good etiquette includes:

• Submit one song at a time where requested.
• Do not repeatedly ask when your turn will arrive.
• Avoid taking another performer’s microphone.
• Do not shout over singers.
• Applaud inexperienced performers.
• Do not interfere with the host’s equipment.
• Avoid changing the selected song after it begins.
• Respect the venue’s content rules.
• Keep drinks away from equipment.
• Do not pressure other guests to perform.
• Leave the stage promptly when the song ends.

A public karaoke crowd should support participation rather than treat the event as a professional singing competition.

Private-room etiquette

Private rooms offer greater freedom but still require care.

Guests should:

• Keep liquids away from control screens.
• Return microphones to their holders.
• Avoid dropping or swinging microphones.
• Do not stand on furniture.
• Follow the room capacity.
• Keep doors and fire routes clear.
• Avoid tampering with speakers.
• Respect the finish time.
• Report damage immediately.
• Keep noise within the room where possible.
• Follow staff instructions.
• Avoid bringing prohibited food or alcohol.

The person who makes the booking may be held responsible for the group and any damage.

Frequently asked questions

Final booking checklist

Before booking karaoke in Edinburgh:

• Confirm the date and start time.
• Establish the final group size.
• Choose a comfortably sized room.
• Check whether the price is per room or per person.
• Calculate the complete group cost.
• Review minimum session length.
• Check the deposit.
• Read the cancellation deadline.
• Confirm the age policy.
• Tell guests to bring valid identification.
• Ask about accessibility.
• Check whether a lift is required and operational.
• Confirm food availability.
• Ask whether outside cake is allowed.
• Pre-order drinks where helpful.
• Review decoration restrictions.
• Ask about specialist songs in advance.
• Plan transport home.
• Arrive before the booking begins.
• Keep the confirmation email available.
• Nominate one organiser to communicate with staff.

Edinburgh’s karaoke venues provide four clearly different experiences.

SUPERCUBE is the strongest dedicated private-room option and gives groups the widest choice of room sizes. Sing City combines themed rooms with straightforward per-person pricing and a useful Old Town location. The Black Rose Tavern provides spontaneous public karaoke in a rock-focused pub, while Roxy Lanes is best suited to groups combining singing with bowling, games, food and drinks.

The right venue therefore depends less on which has the longest song catalogue and more on how many people are attending, whether the group wants privacy and what else needs to form part of the night.

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