The 15 Best Tattoo Shops in London: Get Inked in the UK’s Capital

Discover the best tattoo shops in London, from traditional to contemporary, and find the perfect artist to bring your tattoo vision to life.

When it comes to getting a tattoo, finding the right artist and shop is essential. London is a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and there are plenty of excellent tattoo shops to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tattoo design or something more avant-garde, London has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tattoo shops in London and what sets them apart.

The History of Tattoo Shops in London

The history of tattooing in London can be traced back to the late 19th century, when sailors and travelers began bringing tattoos from exotic lands back to the city. At the time, tattoos were viewed as a symbol of rebellion and were associated with working-class culture. Tattoo shops began to pop up in the city’s dockyards and working-class neighborhoods, with many of the artists coming from a background in seafaring or the military.

One of the earliest tattoo shops in London was established in 1890 by Tom Riley, who had previously worked as a tattoo artist in the British navy. Riley’s shop, located near the docks in Wapping, quickly became popular among sailors and working-class Londoners. The shop continued to operate throughout the early 20th century, with artists like George Burchett and Joe Spurr taking over after Riley’s retirement. Today, tattooing has become a mainstream art form and tattoo shops can be found in every corner of the city, each with their own unique style and vibe.

Read here for the best tattoo artists in London.

The Best Tattoo Shops in London

The Family Business

The Family Business is one of London’s most well-known tattoo shops. Located in the heart of London’s trendy Exmouth Market, The Family Business is run by Mo Coppoletta, a tattoo artist with over 20 years of experience. The shop has a team of skilled artists who specialize in a variety of styles, from traditional to realism.

One thing that sets The Family Business apart is its commitment to quality. The shop only uses the best equipment and ink, and all artists are licensed and trained to the highest standards. The shop also has a strict hygiene policy, ensuring that all equipment is sterilized before and after each use.

Good Times Tattoo

Good Times Tattoo is another popular shop in London, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Shoreditch. The shop is run by tattoo artist Nikole Lowe, who has appeared on the television show London Ink. Good Times Tattoo has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from Japanese tattoos to neo-traditional.

One thing that sets Good Times Tattoo apart is its commitment to personalized service. The shop works with clients to create custom designs that are unique to each individual. The shop also has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place for first-time clients.

The Circle

The Circle is a tattoo shop located in the heart of Soho. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to blackwork. The Circle also offers piercing services, making it a one-stop-shop for all your body modification needs.

One thing that sets The Circle apart is its commitment to sustainability. The shop uses environmentally friendly ink and packaging materials, and all equipment is sterilized using eco-friendly methods. The Circle also has a strong focus on community, hosting events and workshops to bring people together.

Sang Bleu

Sang Bleu is a tattoo shop located in Dalston, run by artist Maxime Plescia-Buchi. The shop specializes in geometric and abstract designs, and has a team of talented artists who can bring any design to life. Sang Bleu also offers piercing and jewelry services, making it a great destination for body art enthusiasts.

One thing that sets Sang Bleu apart is its commitment to pushing the boundaries of tattooing as an art form. The shop has collaborated with artists from all over the world to create innovative and unique designs. Sang Bleu is also a publishing house, producing books and magazines that explore the intersection of tattooing and other art forms.

Cloak and Dagger

Cloak and Dagger is a tattoo shop located in the heart of London’s bustling Camden Town. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to blackwork. Cloak and Dagger also offers piercing services, making it a great destination for body art enthusiasts.

One thing that sets Cloak and Dagger apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all clients. The shop has a strong focus on community, hosting events and workshops to bring people together. Cloak and Dagger also offers a range of merchandise, from t-shirts to art prints, making it a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs.

In conclusion, London is home to some of the best tattoo shops in the world. Whether you’re a first-time client or a seasoned body art enthusiast, there is a shop in London that caters to your specific needs and preferences. Each of the tattoo shops listed above offers a unique experience, with a team of talented artists and a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for the best tattoo shops in London, any of these five options are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Black Garden Tattoo

Located in the trendy neighborhood of Shoreditch, Black Garden Tattoo is a shop that specializes in black and grey tattoo work. Their artists are highly skilled in realism and portraiture, and they also offer custom designs. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to get your first tattoo.

The London Tattoo Company

The London Tattoo Company is one of the oldest tattoo shops in London, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in traditional and neo-traditional styles, and they also offer piercing services. The shop has a classic, old-school vibe that’s perfect for anyone who loves vintage style.

Parliament Tattoo

Parliament Tattoo is a shop located in Finsbury Park, run by tattoo artist Dane Mancini. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to realism. They also offer a range of merchandise, including prints and clothing. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a great tattoo experience.

Inkology

Inkology is a shop located in the heart of London’s bustling West End. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. They also offer piercing services, making it a great destination for anyone looking for body art. The shop has a modern and sleek vibe, with a focus on high-quality customer service.

Into You Tattoo

Into You Tattoo is a shop located in Clerkenwell, run by tattoo artist Alex Binnie. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to avant-garde. They also offer piercing services and a range of merchandise, including clothing and jewelry. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique and personalized tattoo experience.

Seven Doors Tattoo

Seven Doors Tattoo is a shop located in London’s trendy Hackney neighborhood. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to realism. They also offer piercing services and a range of merchandise, including prints and clothing. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a great tattoo experience.

Mo Coppoletta Tattoo

Mo Coppoletta Tattoo (the family business tattoo) is a shop located in the heart of London’s trendy Notting Hill neighborhood. The shop is run by tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry. The shop has a team of skilled artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a great tattoo experience.

Frith Street Tattoo

Frith Street Tattoo is a shop located in the heart of London’s Soho neighborhood. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to realism. They also offer piercing services and a range of merchandise, including prints and clothing. The shop has a classic and traditional vibe, with a focus on high-quality customer service.

Love Hate Social Club

Love Hate Social Club is a shop located in the trendy neighborhood of Notting Hill. The shop is run by tattoo artist Ami James, who is known for his appearances on the television show Miami Ink. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to realism. The shop has a modern and sleek vibe, with a focus on high-quality customer service.

The Last Days Of Decadence Tattoo

The Last Days Of Decadence Tattoo is a shop located in the vibrant neighborhood of Shoreditch. The shop has a team of talented artists who specialize in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. They also offer piercing services and a range of merchandise, including prints and clothing. The shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique and personalized tattoo experience.

London is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to get a tattoo. With a rich history and thriving arts scene, the city has plenty of excellent tattoo shops and artists to choose from.

Each of these tattoo shops has its own unique style and vibe, making it important to do your research and find the one that best fits your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for traditional designs or contemporary styles, London has a wealth of excellent tattoo shops and artists to choose from. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect shop to help you bring your tattoo vision to life.

It’s worth mentioning that these are just a few of the many excellent tattoo shops in London. There are countless other shops and artists who deserve recognition for their skill and creativity. When looking for a tattoo shop in London, it’s important to do your research and find a shop that fits your personal style and preferences.

It’s also worth considering the overall atmosphere and vibe of the shop. Some shops may have a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, while others may be more formal and traditional. Finding a shop that feels comfortable and welcoming can make a big difference in your overall experience.

In addition to researching tattoo shops online, you may also want to consider attending tattoo conventions and events in London. These events offer a great opportunity to meet artists, see their work up close, and get a sense of their style and personality. Many tattoo conventions also feature live tattooing and other activities, making them a fun and exciting way to explore the world of body art.

Overall, London is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to get a tattoo. With a rich history and thriving arts scene, the city has plenty of excellent tattoo shops and artists to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a traditional design, a bold new style, or something in between, there’s a tattoo shop in London that’s perfect for you.