What impact can karaoke have on pub trading?

The study titled ‘The value and benefits of karaoke’ was conducted by Helsinki-based entertainment software specialist Singa and Aalto University, also based in the Finnish capital.

It found that the number of customers in venues ranging from chic nightclubs to smaller bars and entertainment venues grew on average by 31% during karaoke nights – with slightly more than 5% of responding venue owners revealing that the number of customers almost doubled.

Findings also showed venues that only organised karaoke nights two or three times per month grew their average customer spend by 42%, demonstrating that karaoke works as a revenue driver in venues that are not full-time karaoke bars.

A spokesperson from Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes in central London commented: “With five karaoke rooms that are available for private use within the main venue and a karaoke room within our private suite, we have found that not only has this brought more people into the venue with just karaoke bookings, but has also kept people within the venue who have come for bowling or to eat and have then decided to add karaoke to their experience. 

“Karaoke is a fun way to spend time with friends, and something different that can be enjoyed by all ages and groups.

“We get great responses from all sorts of groups from 10-year-old birthday parties to stag and hen dos, each saying how much they enjoy the casual atmosphere karaoke brings and the bonding it encourages within groups even if they do not know everyone attending that well.”