Want a celeb-approved tat? Ink up at one of these three, each of which has needled the rich and famous.
Fine Line Hearts Club
52 Berwick Street, W1F, @finelineheartsclub
Few tattooists have the reputation of Certified Letter Boy, but then again, few sound as much like a Drake outtake. This Soho studio, bright, white and clean, is turning into something of a brand, and sells t-shirts and merch beside its needlings. But if you’re in for an inking, consider the FLHC safe hands: its clients include Central Cee (above), fashion designer Rick Owens, and David Beckham (and Romeo, and Cruz). Gillian Anderson, even.
Sans Patrie
76 Digby Road, E9, sans-patrie.com
Not just frequented by celebrities but run by one, too: Delphin Musquet, the man behind it, is a huge name in tattoos, known as one of the most sought-after artists in Europe. No surprise his studio has expanded into a brand, too, with everything from candles to silk scarves sold under the brand. Its output is diverse — as might be expected given the name means “without nation” — but seems to appeal to musicians, with those inked here including Alanis Morissette, various Arctic Monkeys, and the band Idles.
New Wave Tattoo
157 Sydney Road, N10 2NL, newwavetattoo.co.uk
An unassuming frontage belies the fact that New Wave is one of London’s oldest parlours — ironic really, given the name. Still, it’s been inking since 1979, and its five artists in residence are known for their clean, meticulous work. Founder Lal Hardy is a huge name in the tattoo game, so its no surprise that the shop still draws clients who’ve been coming since the early days. So famous is Lal, in fact, that Dave Grohl went in there to have the Foo Fighters logo tattooed on the back of his neck — which ended up the cover of the There Is Nothing Left to Lose album.
