An iconic slice of east London's nightlife is preparing to take its final bow. The Karaoke Hole, the celebrated drag karaoke bar in Dalston, has announced it will shut its doors for good at the end of this month.
A Fond Farewell to a Glittering Venue
The venue, located on Kingsland High Street, confirmed the sad news via its Instagram channel. Its last night of operation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026. The bar first opened in 2018, taking over the basement space formerly occupied by the Dance Tunnel club beneath the popular Voodoo Ray's pizzeria. It quickly became a staple for Thursday to Saturday nights, where performances were hosted by some of London's top drag talent.
In its emotional social media post, the team stated: 'It's with a heavy heart we're letting you all know the Karaoke Hole will be closing its doors… You've shaped the Karaoke Hole with every performance on our little stage and we want to thank you for your support. Come kiss the glitter curtains and stage goodbye!'
The Legacy and What Comes Next
The Karaoke Hole was famously described as the 'naughty little sister' to the nearby and renowned LGBT+ venue, Dalston Superstore. While the physical space is closing, the spirit of the event is set to live on. The organisers have promised that 'The Karaoke Hole will be going on wheels and at [an] event near you!', indicating a shift to a pop-up and touring model for their unique brand of entertainment.
This closure marks the end of an era for a specific, vibrant niche in London's cultural scene. It provided a space for both seasoned performers and brave members of the public to embrace a bit of 'public humiliation' amidst a shower of sparkles and supportive cheers.
The Impact on Dalston's Nightlife
The loss of The Karaoke Hole removes a key LGBTQ+ friendly performance space from Dalston's evolving landscape. Its departure will be felt by regulars and visitors who sought out its uniquely welcoming and flamboyant atmosphere. The move to a pop-up format suggests the team is adapting to the challenging economic climate for permanent nightlife venues, aiming to bring their party to different locations across the city instead.
