Are you interested in getting new ink when visiting London? The capital city is home to lots of fantastic artists and shops. From iconic spots to tiny parlours, you will be spoilt for choice when visiting London. The best artists from around the world flock to this spot to set up shop. Whether you’re interested in tribal, traditional or a portrait tattoos, London will be home to an expert in the style.
Looking for the best tattoo shop in London? We have found the best tattoo shops and talented artists in town for your inking endeavours.
Best Tattoo Shops & Artists in London
Vagabond Tattoos
Vagabond was founded in 2012 on East London’s popular Hackney Road. This tattoo shop’s focus has always been on clean and original tattoos, spanning a range of different art styles. Unlike many parlours, Vagabond has a very light, modern atmosphere.
This London tattoo studio was the joint venture of tattoo artist and motorbike collector Paul Hill and graphic designer Rebecca Morris. This creative couple are a fan of simple and original work, and this is translated in the Scandinavian-inspired décor.
They have a growing team of in-house artists and special international guests who all bring their own specialities. This spot is so popular it is appointment only. This is a non-intimidating spot, ideal for nervous newbies.
- Address: 471 Hackney Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9ED
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11am–7pm, Fri 11am–5:30pm, Sat 12–5pm
- Specialities: Cover all styles of tattoos
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @vagabond_tattoostudio
Frith Street Tattoo
Frith Street Tattoo has slowly been building up a fantastic reputation since they started in 2004. This Soho-based shop has an incredible range of in-house artists as well as some of the best guest spots in the city.
Although their tattooist, who include Oliver Mackintosh and Jordan Teear, are skilled enough to do any style this shop generally specialise in more classic styles. From Japanese masks to realistic portraits and skulls, the artists here really care about their craft.
- Address: Basement, 18 Frith St, London W1D 4RQ
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 1pm-7pm
- Specialities: Traditional
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @frithsttattoo
New Wave Tattoo
Lal Hardy’s Muswell Hill studio is one of the most famous tattoo parlours in London. This old shop has been going since 1979 and prides itself on good, clean tattoos. It might not look the flashiest, but this is a reliable and respected London tattoo spot.
They have some famous clientele, which includes Dave Grohl, The Osbournes, Liam Gallagher and Mel B. They offer a wide range of styles from traditional to new school to Japanese. Some of their artists are happy to execute stick poke tattoos and fineline and blackwork designs.
- Address: 157 Sydney Rd, London N10 2NL
- Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm
- Specialities: Traditional, new school and Asian
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @newwavetattoo
The Family Business
The Family Business has a modern boutiquey location in Exmouth Market. It stands out for the Roman Catholic imagery littering the walls, which has been inspired by owner Mo Coppoletta’s Italian heritage.
Located in the centre of London since its inception in 2003, there isn’t a style this collection of world-class artists can’t execute. They specialise in custom-drawn tattoos as well as offering a professional laser removal service.
- Address: 58 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE
- Hours: 12pm-7pm everyday
- Specialities: All
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @thefamilybusinesstattoo
Good Times
Nikole Lowe has created a Zen-like tattoo sanctuary above Curtain Road. It is light and airy, unlike some of the grungier basement tattoo shops. Nikole has hand-picked a fantastic roster of talented artists, each with their own skills. Collectively they have about 175 years of tattooing experience across a range of styles. They also regularly have guest spots filled by industry-leading artists.
Their artists cover everything from realism to biomechanical and neo-Japanese. Their style is more focused on tribal, Japanese, and ornamental design but they will be able to cater to all styles.
This team believe that the art of tattoo is a mystical and primal practice that will increase your mindfulness and make you at one with the universe. Lowe has described getting tattooed as being like deep spiritual meditation only with buzzing needles and gritted teeth.
- Address: 1st Floor, 8 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0PD
- Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-7pm
- Specialities: Tribal, Japanese and ornamental
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @goodtimestattoo
Flamin’ Eight Tattoo Studio
This iconic North London tattoo studio has been a popular spot since 1998. Located in Castle Road, Kentish Town, this tattoo parlour has been visited by Rita Ora and the late Amy Winehouse, and has provided a backdrop for films starring Ricky Gervais, Peter O’Toole and Jodie Whitaker. It may not look like much from the outside, it is one of the most legendary tattoo shops in London.
They believe getting a tattoo is a customer experience, rather than something to be shown off on Instagram. Their artists can cater to most styles but they main specialise in new school, traditional, realism and Japanese tattoos. It may look like a classic shop, but it has all the modern perks of tattooing.
- Address: 2 Castle Rd, London NW1 8PP
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
- Specialities: Traditional, new school, Japanese and realism
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @flamineighttattoo
Jolie Rouge London
You may not have heard of Caledonian Road tattoo shop Jolie Rouge but it is highly respected by those in the know. This studio has a more underground and street approach to tattooing. They are also known for taking on projects that
among the more underground in London, but it’s held in high regard by the city’s tattoo creatives. The studio has a streetwise approach, matching the graffiti influences prevalent in some of the work, and the decor is all opulent wallpaper and gothic candelabras inside. What’s more, they’re willing to do what others turn down.
- Address: 364 Caledonian Rd, London N1 1DU
- Opening Times: 11:30am-7pm everyday
- Specialities: New school
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @jolie_rouge_tattoo
King’s Cross Tattoo Parlour
Founded by Snappy Gomez in 2009 in the heart of Central London; Kings Cross Tattoo Parlour is a custom and appointment-based studio. This shop also offers body piercings. The co-founders specialise in high realism as well as back and grey.
Their expert roster of tattoo artists can do everything from neo traditional to Asian designs, and portraits. No matter the style you have in mind, it will be clean, bold, and solid.
- Address: 185 King’s Cross Road London, WC1X 9DB
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
- Specialities: Black and grey, realism and portraits
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @kingscrosstattoo
Also Read: Best Piercing Shops in London
Skunx Tattoo
Founded over 10 years, this London studio will cater to all design styles. They are known for their high-quality custom vegan-friendly tattoos. They will happily do any design, on any spot on the body. From portraits to ornamental, tribal to colour and Japanese.
There is a lovely, friendly atmosphere plus all their consultations are free! They take sustainability very seriously, using green materials and minimising plastic waste.
- Address: 11 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
- Hours: Mon- Fri 11am-6pm
- Specialities: All
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @skunxtattoo
Through my Third Eye
As newcomers to the London tattoo scene, Through My Third Eye have managed to break through since they were established in 2015. They have a unique perspective and a dynamic atmosphere, focusing on original artwork.
Each design is completely unique to you and your story. If you are looking for something creative and designed to you, this is the best tattoo parlour for you. They prefer to go through a consultation process, tailoring your new ink.
Alongside a range of guest artists who frequent the Finsbury Park, North London studio there is the founding duo Mowgli and Emma Bundonis, later joined by Matt Pettis. They founded this studio as they felt like there was too much disconnect between the artists and clients.
- Address: 342 Hornsey Rd, Finsbury Park, London N7 7HE
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
- Specialities: Black and grey, realism and portraits
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @through_my_third_eye_tattoo
Cloak and Dagger Tattoo Parlour
Cloak and Dagger opened in Shoreditch in 2013 and have garnered a number of fans from around the world. Every tattoo artist in this studio is an all-rounder, excelling in Japanese, traditional, black and grey, and blackwork.
Their artists are generally known for big, bold and bright designs but they cater to any design you want inked onto you. This parlour also offers a safe tattoo removal procedure. They claim to be the quickest way to remove tattoo thanks to their knowledge as tattoo artists as well being trained in laser removal techniques.
- Address: 342 Hornsey Rd, Finsbury Park, London N7 7HE
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
- Specialities: Japanese and traditional
- Walk-ins: Yes
- Instagram: @cloakanddaggerlondon
South City Market
Designed with peak comfort in mind, South City Market is perhaps one of London’s most unique tattoo studios. Working only in black and grey, the team led by Ricky Williams does intricate grayscale at affordable prices. This is the best spot in London if you want a micro tattoo.
There is an upmarket luxurious feel to it, that puts customers first. This spot is more calming and minimalist than some of the other tattoo shops on our list. Every artist has been carefully picked because they operate to the highest standards. They are pretty strict on style, so there is less flexibility to your design in comparison to other shops on this list.
- Address: 342 Hornsey Rd, Finsbury Park, London N7 7HE
- Opening Times: 10am-7pm everyday
- Specialities: Black and gray, micro tattoos
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @southcitymarket
ONE DAY Tattoo Studio London
ONE DAY is a modest tattoo parlour located in Angel, conveniently located near the tube station. The interior design reflects the creativity of the artists, with dark, baroque walls covered in striking artwork.
This shop focuses on positivity and spirituality as well as creativity. Although their artists focus on realism and minimalism, they can cater to any design or style of tattooing you are looking for. An ideal shop for fans of the classic form of tattoo, these artists are prepared to leave their comfort zone.
- Address: 20 Arlington Way, London EC1R 1UY
- Opening Times: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm
- Specialities: Minimalism, classic and realism
- Walk-ins: No
- Instagram: @onedaytattoos
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Tattoo Shops in London: FAQs
Will I need to pay a deposit and how much will it be?
Yes, nearly all reputable tattoo shops in London will ask for a deposit. How much deposit is required will vary depending on the estimated final price of your new tattoo. Deposits are necessary as cancellations can lose a tattoo artist both time and money.
Another benefit of putting down a deposit is that is also helps spread the cost of your final tattoo. Bookings with deposits can still be rearranged, but most artists will require 48 hours’ notice, otherwise, your deposit will be lost.
How much will my new tattoos cost in London?
Because London is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the country, the prices may be steeper than other cities in the UK. Generally, it will cost about £150 an hour. There is no set price on your new design, every artist will have their own pricing. Remember, you are usually paying for quality when it comes to tattooing.
Final Words
London is a beautiful city filled with culture. Tattooing is a prominent part of London street culture. It’s home to world-famous artists and charismatic shop owners who are working across a range of styles.
Tattoo shops in London appreciate both modern and traditional forms of body art. No matter the style, location or story, one of these parlours and artists will be able to help you achieve your tattoo dreams.