best-tattoo-studios-london

The 5 Best Tattoo Studios in London Where Good Ink Happens

  • Hygiene and Safety: Cleanliness is non-negotiable for any kind of body modification. We checked that every studio follows strict sterilisation protocols and holds proper local licensing.
  • Artist Versatility: A great shop should cater to different artistic tastes. We looked for locations with diverse resident artists who can handle a range of tattoo styles.
  • Consultation Process: Communication is crucial for translating your ideas into permanent art. We favoured places offering thorough consultations to ensure they fully meet client expectations.

  • Accessibility and Booking: Booking an appointment shouldn't feel impossible. We considered their operating hours and how easy it is for clients to book.

London has a massive tattoo scene, and finding the right artist can feel overwhelming. You want a place that matches your style, respects your ideas, and keeps things totally sterile, but the city’s options are endless.

So, our team dug through the best tattoo studios in London to help you narrow your choices. This guide covers shops that excel in different styles and price points. 

If you want clear skin before getting inked, you can even check out our guide to the city’s best dermatologists. Keep reading to meet the spot that fits your exact vision and budget!

How much does tattooing cost in London?

A tattoo in London typically costs around £60 to £5,000+, depending on the size, complexity, and artist. Small tattoos may start around £60, while larger pieces and full sleeves can cost several thousand pounds.

Tattoo Size / Artist LevelTypical Price or Hourly Rate
Small Tattoos (Up to 1 hour)£60 to £150
Medium Tattoos (2 to 4 hours)£150 to £450
Large Tattoos (Half-sleeves)£600 to £2,500
Extra-Large Tattoos (Full sleeves)£1,500 to £5,000+
Junior Artists£60 to £100 per hour
Mid-Level Artists£100 to £150 per hour
Senior Specialists£150 to £250 per hour
Celebrity Artists£250 to £500+ per hour

1. Cloak & Dagger Tattoo London

cloak-dagger-tattoo-london

Website: https://www.cloakanddaggerlondon.co.uk/

Address: 34 Cheshire Street

Contact: 020 7175 0133

Hours: Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Finding a spot that handles both fresh custom ink and laser removal under one roof is rare, but Cloak & Dagger does exactly that. Their Shoreditch space uses advanced PicoWay technology to fade older pieces before a cover-up. 

And because they have a huge roster of resident artists, you can easily match with someone who specialises in traditional or geometric styles.

However, this large team means the shop lacks a quiet, intimate vibe. They also open at 11:00 AM, which leaves out anyone hoping for an early morning session. 

Still, their seven-day schedule makes booking incredibly flexible for busy customers.

Pros

  • Custom tattoos and laser removal 
  • Large roster of resident artists 
  • Multiple tattoo styles available 
  • Open seven days a week 

Cons

  • Large team limits the intimate shop feel
  • Opens at 11 AM daily 

Customer Reviews

I had my tattoo done by Ange, who did an amazing job!

I had a wonderful experience getting tattooed with Cloak & Dagger! I had my tattoo done by Ange, who did an amazing job! She was really detailed, and was really patient/willing to redo the stencil over and over again until we got the placement right. She, and the rest of the staff, created a really chilled out, fun atmosphere.

The team is really quick to respond, which made it really easy to plan everything, too. I live outside of the UK, so this was a really important part of my experience. 

Anna did an amazing job with the shoulder tattoo

Fantastic experience (again) at Cloak and Dagger. Anna did an amazing job with the shoulder tattoo. Perfect design based on an image I sent through, perfect size. She was absolutely lovely throughout. Really nice chatting during the ink work. I’ll be back again (already have an idea for the other shoulder)

2. The Circle London

the-circle-london

Website: https://www.thecirclelondon.com/

Address: 21 Noel Street

Contact: 020 7734 3499

Hours: Mon–Sun: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Combining a piercing studio with a retail space and custom tattooing, The Circle London creates a vibrant creative hub. The studio feels more like a cultural destination than a standard tattoo parlour.

You’ll also find a large team of resident and international guest artists who work across different styles.

When we stopped by last month to check out their curated collectables, a client we spoke with said the staff made them feel instantly welcome.

However, the focus on multiple creative mediums means the studio doesn’t have the same tattoo-only feel as some other spots. To add, they open at 10 AM, so early-morning appointments aren’t an option.

Pros

  • Large team of resident artists 
  • International guest artists available
  • Diverse tattoo styles offered 
  • Welcoming and creative atmosphere 

Cons

  • Not strictly focused on tattoos 
  • Opens at 10 AM daily 

Customer Reviews

Just left the studio with 3 beautiful new tattoos!

Just left the studio with 3 beautiful new tattoos! The staff are so helpful and really listen to your wishes. They make sure to check in several times to confirm that everything is exactly how you want it. It was a spontaneous decision, and we don’t regret it one bit. We felt very well taken care of and warmly welcomed. Thanks to the entire team, and especially of course to Natalia!

You will not regret choosing The Circle 

I have had at least 15 full day sessions at the Circle getting Japanese sleeves tattooed by Horitaru. I can honestly say it’s an amazing place. All the artists there are fantastic and I am only sorry I couldn’t get something by all of them! I saw the care they take over their clients and it is second to none. Hygiene is also a top priority and everything is always clean and tidy. The reception staff are helpful, friendly and professional. You will not regret choosing The Circle and I would recommend it 100% to anyone.

3. Origin Tattoo London

origin-tattoo-london

Website: https://origintattoolondon.co.uk/

Address: 41 Snowsfields

Contact: 0203 795 3831

Hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Securing a walk-in spot for custom work can be tough, but this London Bridge studio welcomes spontaneous visits. Origin Tattoo combines a relaxed lounge area with a team that tailors each design to your vision.

The artists listen closely and handle everything from delicate fine-line work to vibrant traditional colour pieces. A client we spoke with also said the staff handled their consultation brilliantly, making the process feel comfortable from the start.

However, the custom-focused approach can mean longer turnaround times for simple flash designs. Additionally, the studio is closed on Sundays, which can make scheduling harder for people who work during the week.

Pros

  • Walk-ins are openly welcomed 
  • Custom designs tailored to clients 
  • Artists handle diverse tattoo styles 
  • Relaxed lounge atmosphere 

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Custom focus slows down quick flash designs

Customer Reviews

I cannot recommend Olha and Origin Tattoo enough, a really personalised service!

Had my first tattoo yesterday with the wonderful Olha. She really put me at ease, from the design stage to the actual act of getting it done. Olha talked me through the whole process and made me feel at ease. To say I am delighted with the final result is an understatement, I love it so much! I cannot recommend Olha and Origin Tattoo enough, a really personalised service!

Excellent experience with the entire staff

My wife and I were on holiday from the states in October for the Broncos/NFL London game, and both decided to get tattooed while in town. Nichlas tattooed a horse on my forearm to commemorate the trip and my favorite American football club, and it has become one of my favorite tattoos!! The shop was excellent, Nichlas was great to talk to during my long session and he even bought us a pint at the end for good measure!! Excellent experience with the entire staff, including bookings and communicating the tattoo ideas with us via email before our trip. 

4. World Famous Fulham Tattoo London

world-famous-fulham-tattoo-london

Website: https://www.fulhamtattoo.co.uk/

Address: 673 Fulham Road, Fulham

Contact: 020 7371 9985

Hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun (appointment only)

Operating since 1976, World Famous Fulham Tattoo London boasts a highly experienced team of artists alongside an impressive roster of celebrity clientele. 

Service-wise, they provide premium body art and professional piercing in a highly sterile environment. Their precision with neo-traditional and intricate blackwork designs is also fantastic.

A friend of mine got a realism piece here recently, and she noted how remarkably clean the entire setup felt. 

Unfortunately, the studio’s popularity can sometimes lead to scheduling delays for regular clients. And they only open on Sundays for pre-booked appointments, so you’ll need to plan ahead if that’s your preferred day. 

Pros

  • Decades of tattooing experience 
  • Highly experienced and stable artist team
  • Offers both tattooing and professional piercing
  • Maintains strong hygiene and licensing standards

Cons

  • High demand; scheduling delays can happen 
  • Sunday appointments require advance booking 

Customer Reviews

Jonathan has done my last 5 tattoos and all have been perfect!!

I’ve been coming to Fulham Tattoo for a while and can honestly say it’s the best! Jonathan has done my last 5 tattoos and all have been perfect!! He is kind, welcoming and was SO patient whilst I was deciding between two tattoo designs on Saturday. The whole team at Fulham are so lovely!! I highly recommend to everyone. I’ll be back soon, thanks so much 🙂

Highly recommend!

Amazing tattoo studio with a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They made me feel comfortable from my very first tattoo, and I’ve stuck with them ever since. The quality and detail of the work is incredible, and every experience has been great. A special shoutout to Josh—his work is amazing, and I’m always impressed with the results. Highly recommend!

5. No Regrets Studios London

no-regrets-studios-london

Website: https://noregrets.tattoo/uk/london/

Address: Unit 10, The Tram Depot, 38-40 Upper Clapton Rd

Contact: 020 7175 5898

Hours: Book to schedule an appointment

Offering completely free consultations, No Regrets Studios gives you time to refine your ideas before the needle hits your skin. The studio specialises in colour realism and delicate micro-realism, making it a strong choice for detailed, realistic pieces.

Their dedicated artists spend their days working on large custom tattoos that clients often plan years in advance.

But because the studio focuses heavily on booked appointments, walk-ins can’t simply drop by and expect a session. Instead, you’ll need to use the booking system to secure a spot. 

The strong focus on realism can also make it less suitable if you’re after bold traditional or simple geometric designs. 

Pros

  • Completely free consultation available 
  • Strong colour realism expertise 
  • Specialises in detailed custom tattoos 
  • Creative Upper Clapton location 

Cons

  • Limited focus beyond realism styles 
  • Walk-ins aren’t accepted 

Customer Reviews

This was my first tattoo and the whole experience turned out to be excellent

this was my first tattoo and the whole experience turned out to be excellent.

my tattoo was done by Emrah, and I’m genuinely impressed with the result. his work is very precise and clean. the whole process felt calm and professional from start to finish.

i’m really happy with how it turned out. in fact, even though this was my first tattoo, i’m already thinking about getting a second one, and i would definitely come back to Emrah.

HIGHLY recommended.

Super professional, attentive to details, and made me feel comfortable the whole time

From start to finish everything was flawless. Alberto was the first person I spoke to and he made the whole process super easy from booking, to organising the appointment Clear, patient, and genuinely helpful.

Giovanna is an incredible tattoo artist. She understood exactly what I wanted, added her own artistic touch, and executed it perfectly. Super professional, attentive to details, and made me feel comfortable the whole time.

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