Guide to London's best tattoo studios

Guide to London's best tattoo studios

When it comes to getting inked, the number one thing is to ensure you've done adequate research so that you don't end up with a shoddy full-sleeve. London is packed to the brim with tattoo shops specialising in various styles, which means the market is pretty saturated. That's why we've done the research for you and put together this refined list of the best tattoo studios in the city, so that you can come away with the tattoo you envisioned right from the start.

In this guide
  1. The best tattoo studios in London
    1. Vagabond Tattoo – One of the best in Hackney
    2. Frith Street Tattoo – Get inked in Soho
    3. Good Times Tattoo – Bring your vision to life
    4. New Wave Tattoo – A London mainstay
    5. The Family Business – Iconographic pros
    6. Fleshformers – Artists from all around the world
    7. Haunted Tattoos – Custom tattoo experts
    8. Parliament Tattoo – An eclectic selection of styles
    9. The London Social Tattoo – Get inked with a craft beer in hand
    10. EXP Haus – Relaxing canalside studio
    11. Femme Fatale Tattoo – Grace Neutral's house
    12. One By One – Sustainable tattooists to the stars

The best tattoo studios in London

London's best tattoo shops and tattoo artists

Vagabond Tattoo

One of the best in Hackney

Vagabond Tattoo Studio, located on Hackney Road, is the place to go if you're looking for a one-off custom design in any style. The studio is bright and airy, and the staff are always warm and welcoming; you're sure to feel at ease when you step through the doors here.

Frith Street Tattoo

Get inked in Soho

Frith Street Tattoo opened its doors in 2004 and has since become one of the best places to get inked in the city. It's located in buzzy Soho and specialises in high-quality tattoos in a clean and comfortable setting. What's more, their roster of artists is the best in the game.

Good Times Tattoo

Bring your vision to life

Good Times Tattoo has not only nailed the vibe, but they also have a selection of some of the best tattoo artists around, with a combined 175 years of experience between them. Whether you want fine line or traditional, there will be an artist at Good Times that will be able to help you create your vision from start to finish.

New Wave Tattoo

A London mainstay

New Wave has been open since 1979 and is one of the oldest tattoo shops in London. The vibe here is old school whilst keeping the classical feel very much alive. Staff are always friendly and welcoming and will be ready to help you decide what tattoo to get, from start to finish.

The Family Business

Iconographic pros

You’ll find The Family Business located on the vibrant Exmouth Market. The vibe here is on point, with artists’ designs scattered all over the walls and Japanese screens for optimum privacy. Every piece of art here is custom-made, but you can bring designs in for the artists to get inspired by.

Fleshformers

Artists from all around the world

Whether you're looking for a new piece of body art or a piercing, Fleshformers has got you covered. The artists here cover a variety of different styles and there are regular guest spots from artists from around the world. The shop is vibrant and welcoming, with a friendly and knowledgeable team. You can also buy distinctive jewellery for piercings here.

Haunted Tattoos

Custom tattoo experts

Haunted Tattoos is located on buzzy Holloway Road and offers tattoo and piercing services in a warm and welcoming setting. Their expertise is custom tattoos, so they're the ones to go to if you've got an idea in mind but you're not quite sure how to execute it; they'll help you from start to finish.

Parliament Tattoo

An eclectic selection of styles

This tattoo parlour is located in an industrial-style old factory originally built in the late 1800s. It's a family-run establishment with an incredibly talented roster of artists, all specialising in their different styles, from illustrative blackwork and fine line to black and grey realism.

The London Social Tattoo Angel The London Social Tattoo Soho
The London Social Tattoo Angel
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The London Social Tattoo Soho
thelondon.social
The London Social Tattoo Angel The London Social Tattoo Soho

Get inked with a craft beer in hand

Celebrities and first-timers alike love this tattoo shop located on Essex Road in Islington. Check out their website to see the different styles their artists specialise in, from simple fine-line styles to more intricate, detailed pieces. You'll instantly feel at ease when you walk through the door, and there's a bar serving a range of craft beers and a wide selection of gins.

  • 67 Essex Rd, Islington 30 D'Arblay St, Soho
    The London Social Tattoo Angel
    67 Essex Rd, Islington
    The London Social Tattoo Soho
    30 D'Arblay St, Soho
  • The London Social Tattoo Angel
    thelondon.social
    The London Social Tattoo Soho
    thelondon.social
    The London Social Tattoo Angel
    075-076 035 88
    The London Social Tattoo Soho
    075-707 004 05
  • The London Social Tattoo Angel The London Social Tattoo Soho

EXP Haus

Relaxing canalside studio

EXP Haus, a chic tattoo studio in Hackney, provides space to both seasoned resident artists and an ever-changing roster of talented guest artists. Featuring a polished industrial aesthetic, a serene atmosphere, and quality facilities, EXP Haus strives to offer a tranquil yet professional environment.

Femme Fatale Tattoo

Grace Neutral's house

Renowned London tattoo artist Grace Neutral is celebrated for her exquisite handpoked blackwork mandalas and geometric designs. She's behind Femme Fatale Tattoo, which offers a safe, welcoming environment for everyone to get inked. The in-house tattooists are skilled in various styles of machine and handpoke tattoos. Additionally, cosmetic tattooing and body piercing services are also available at Femme Fatale Tattoo.

One By One

Sustainable tattooists to the stars

One By One tattoo studio in Soho is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This studio is dedicated to using cruelty-free inks, has swapped out plastic disposables for plant-based alternatives, and has a Climate Positive workforce, actively offsetting the carbon footprint of each artist by planting trees monthly. The studio's celebrity clientele includes the likes of Skepta, ASAP Rocky, and Kehlani, and you can get fine-line, blackwork, and contemporary design here.

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