Karaoke chain Lucky Voice has fallen into administration after 21 years of operation, leading to the immediate closure of half its six venues and the loss of 53 jobs. The company, described as "one of the most recognisable names in the UK's nightlife scene for two decades", will not issue refunds to customers holding reservations at the three closed establishments.
Administrators cite trading deterioration
Administrators reported a "deterioration" in trading over the past 12 months and noted that "the wider night-time economy continues to face significant headwinds". Lucky Voice, which launched in 2005, offered private karaoke rooms and late-night cocktail bars, allowing groups of between two and 30 guests to sing without performing in front of a full pub.
The chain operated six locations across Britain, including former pods within Tiger Tiger venues in Manchester and Cardiff. The three surviving sites in Soho, Holborn and Liverpool Street, London, will transfer to Swedish karaoke company Moyagi Group under a pre-pack arrangement negotiated by administrators.
Closures and staff transfers
Venues in Brighton, Waterloo and Islington were excluded from the deal and closed immediately. Lucky Voice confirmed all existing bookings will be fulfilled at the three continuing venues.
Steve Absolom, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: "Lucky Voice has been one of the most recognisable names in the UK's nightlife scene for two decades, and we are pleased to have secured a future for the brand and for three of its most popular venues. The wider night-time economy continues to face significant headwinds. Rising employment costs, elevated energy bills and a consumer who has become increasingly selective about discretionary spending have put real pressure on operators."
He added: "Many across the sector have felt those pressures acutely, and Lucky Voice was sadly not immune. Our priority now is to support the employees at the sites in Brighton, Waterloo and Islington with their redundancy claims and ensure a smooth transition of the continuing sites to Moyagi."
Legal firm DWF confirmed that 59 members of staff will be transferred to the new owner.
