If there’s a better gift than giving someone you love, who harbours not-so-secret frontman fantasies, the chance to wail their way through an 80s power ballad in broad daylight, I’d like to hear about it. So, for my husband’s birthday, I booked the karaoke room at BAO Borough – and wow, we were not disappointed.
BAO Borough is already a solid favourite on the foodie scene (unsurprising, given it’s part of the same family as the equally beloved BAO Soho and Fitzrovia), but this particular branch has a very special extra: a private karaoke room tucked away beneath the restaurant. Think: wood panelling, cosy lighting, cocktails on tap, and the cherry on the cake – all the excellent sound equipment, prop instruments and song repertoire needed to create a birthday to remember.
We went at lunchtime on a Wednesday (yes, really), and kicked things off with a couple of necessarily punchy cocktails – the BAO-Hi is a must – before fully committing to our setlist. As it turns out, midweek karaoke might be the key to eternal happiness: two hours of laughing, singing, and eating like absolute royalty.
Let’s talk food: the Taiwanese fried chicken comes in a bucket and should be considered a cornerstone of any self-respecting celebration. The bao themselves were just as sublime as ever – our top picks were the Cold Smoked Aubergine & Panko, the Classic Pork, the indulgent Beef Short Rib and the delightfully light Daikon. We ended on a high (both musically and calorifically) with the Fried Horlicks Ice Cream Bao, which is just as comfortingly decadent as it sounds.
The room easily fits 14, so would be perfect for a group, though do note: it’s not exactly soundproof. I popped to the ladies and could still hear my husband belting out Queen like he was on the Pyramid Stage. Thankfully, the staff didn’t seem to mind (they even gave us a knowing smile as “Bohemian Rhapsody” hit its peak).
It was joyfully ridiculous and, honestly, exactly what we needed. If you’re looking for a way to lift spirits, celebrate a birthday, or just live out your secret karaoke dreams, I can’t recommend it enough. BAO Borough, you will be in our hearts for as long as we will be ringing in your ears.
