Nine

Now this is what I call a tattooists! A friend went for a cover up recently and, having seen the work they did on her, I immediately booked on for mine.
Ade was the artist I worked with — we had an initial consultation, and I booked in. It was 4 months before they were able to work on me — a reassuring wait, if you ask me. He worked with me through all the stages of the design, and even made some very welcome last minute suggestions.
On their website, it says drop in’s are welcome, but I don’t think you can beat sitting down with them and getting their invaluable opinion.
They have guest artists from time to time, so you are pretty much guaranteed to get someone who can get you whatever style you’re after.
Having been a silly young person once (who wasn’t??), and getting a horrid tattoo I hated almost instantly, I can’t recommend the bespoke service highly enough.
Take your time — it really is worth the wait.

Tattoo parlours vary from being dark and grim buildings that make you fearful for your life, fearing a masochistic tattoo artist keen on inflicting pain, or they’re like this.
Formerly Temple Tatu, this hugely experienced tattoo parlour is one of the better places to go regardless of how many tattoos you have. If you happen to have no tattoos, fear not, the knowledgeable workers will explain everything to you, from times to cost.
Book well in advance as Nine tends to get pretty busy throughout the weekend and most other days, definitely worth it though.

Nine is a bespoke tattoo parlour which used to be under the name Temple Tatu. I have yet to get a tattoo here but I have one booked for July and think it’s a really great place if you’re looking for a stylish piece of art on your body. Everyone there is so helpful and friendly which can’t be said for some studios I’ve visited in the past. All of the tattooists there are extremely talented and produce some great artwork some of which are hanging on the walls of the nicely decorated studio. A nice change from the typical tacky flash designs you see on the walls of some places. The tattoo’s I’ve seen from here are extremely impressive and each artist specialises in something different whether it be oriental designs, birds, portraits or abstract. You can also have a free consultation there where you can meet your tattooist and talk about your design and have any questions answered. If you are looking for a high standard of body art with amazing designs, brilliant work and a great finish then you have to visit this place.

This used to be Temple Tatu, and in that incarnation, supplied me with my first tattoo. Despite the name change, I didn’t want to go anywhere else for my second.
All the residents artists are very talented and each have their own style — work is available on their website. Jack did my floral design, taking lots of care to work the design up exactly as I wanted it. The residents seem to be booked up for months in advance, but they do seem to have a steady stream of guests who might be available at shorter notice. Unlike some traditional dingy basement type places, Nine is contemporary and open, and very friendly.
I’m already planning number three, and definitely won’t go anywhere else.