Ever wanted to get tattooed with Metallica playing at full volume?…read more Nah, me neither. Luckily, when I got my ankles tattooed at Sacred Art several years ago, head tattooist and owner Mark was kind enough to forsake his beloved heavy metal and play something a little more mellow. The first Portishead album relaxed me enough that the time seemed to fly by with only the occasional nudge of pain. Based in leafy Chorlton, Sacred Art is a small and welcoming tattoo studio that specialises in a variety of styles from Japanese and tribal to American pin-ups. Alongside Mark, there's an equally friendly female tattooist - Sandy - whose covered head to toe in ink herself. If you're interested in getting something done, the best thing to do is pop in for a consultation and take a look at the designs in Mark and Sandy's portfolios. Their rates are reasonable, the studio is clean and cosy and I was very happy with the work they did for me. One ankle took about 60 minutes from outlines to full shading, the other about 90 minutes including flowers and a koi carp.

I haven't had a tattoo here myself, and I don't think I'll ever be brave enough to have one, but I…read morecan vouch for the talent at this studio because my friend has the most incredible flower and star design on her back in the most vivid colours that I never thought possible. The shading, especially, is so well executed, like a watercolour painting almost. According to my friend, the studio itself is very laid back and the staff are extremely friendly and make you feel at ease immediately. Check out the designs of Mark and Sandy on their website, I love the fact that they specialise in Japanese and Indian designs, but really there's nothing that they can't do well. It almost makes me change my mind.

Fantastic artist. Came to my house and all great. The tattoo looks amazing Mike very friendly and…read moregood at his job

Liquid Ink has been open for around eight months now, and as I regularly pass the shop when taking…read moremy son to nursery, I did not fail to notice that for such a new venture there is always someone in the shop either having a consultation or getting an actual tattoo! So I am not in the least bit surprised that I thought I should pop in and get one of the artists to have a look at a new design I have been working on. I spoke to Wayne who was happy to take my design and redraw it into a transfer ready for being placed on my upper thigh! he said needed a day to do it, when I went back the next day he had worked wonders with my initial design and made it look fantastic! I still have not gotten round to having the tattoo put on, but I will definitely be getting it done here. I felt like the staff here treat each customer very professionally and in a way that sets them apart from other parlours, the shop itself looks more like a posh Japanese boutique and nothing like your usual bikers joint!

I got my piercing and as I wear a head scarf they were able to offer me private area. Lots of after…read morecare advice given and were very professional and reasonably priced.

Noesis tattoo studio is the BEST tattoo studio I've ever been to…read more I went to Noesis tatto studio because three of my mates had their tattoos done there, and were all very very awesome. I had two tattoos done in made in Manchester, and I felt AWFUL. The tattoo artist was extremely rude, impatient, and very grumpy. I really really don't recommned anyone to have their tattoos done there. However, Noesis tattoo studio is completely different. I had my tattoo done with Linggen, she is not only very friendly, she's also very very professional. She spent hours and hours discussed the tattoo with me just to make sure we were both happy about the tattoo. I definitely recommend Noesis tattoo studio!

I went there early on 2011 to this recently opened tattoo studio and it is dressed to impress. The…read moreplace has a black and white decor with old school drawings complementing it and figurines like you wouldn't believe on the shelves! The lego pirate ship was my fave. With a lovely receptionist and tattoo artists that clearly care about what they're going to tattoo on you, you won't regret a visit to them. You can ask for advice and help with the design you want and they're happy to give it with out making you feel like a condescended child. To have a tattoo design drawn up by one of the artists will cost you a drawing deposit fee which isn't much and you're guaranteed to have a brilliant design made! After booking in for your appointment, you are given a drink on arrival ( I chose tea!) and you're made to feel comfortable whilst they place the outline of the tattoo in your chosen place. You're asked whether you're happy and then the artist proceeds in what they do best - tattooing! I had Christos as an artist and he is superb at Old Skool designs and it looked phenomenal when it was finished. I'm definitely going back for more!

Average tattoo, not much detail and patchy in sections. The guy doing it constantly stopped to have…read morea cigarette and near the end of the tattoo seemed to be rushing. Have had a few more done elsewhere and they look massively better.

I had some cover up work done here last year and it is brilliant! \the guys made me feel totally…read morecomfortable, my work took 2 hours but it was hardly painful. All the equipment was sterile and the shop was clean. I will definitely be back for more!!

Had my new tattoo done at the studio and all I can say is: AMAZING!!! I have finally had my rose…read moreand butterfly tattoo done in memory of my dad and the quality of the tattoo and the detail in it is unbelievable. The tattooist was really friendly and talked to me whilst doing my tattoo and the owner even made me a cup of tea (and several more throughout my tattoo!). I am VERY happy! The studio is immaculate and bright (not dark and dingy like the ones that I have been in before). The atmosphere in the studio was really chilled, everyone was friendly and I was made to feel more than welcome. The studios prices are more than reasonable too, I paid for 2 hours and even though the tattoo ended up going over by 40+ minutes (I had quite a few tea and toilet brakes!), I still only paid for the 2 hours that was originally agreed. I will definitely be using this studio again. In fact... I don't think I will ever use any other studio ever again!

I am posting this review as we have tried to resolve the issue with the owner Paul who tattooed us…read moreyesterday, he however chose to put the phone down on my husband. As a warning for others avoid this tattoo shop. My husband and I decided to get matching tattoos for our anniversary with each others names. On entering the shop we were asked what we wanted, Paul drew up a rough sketch and quoted us a price of £80 each, my husband asked if that was it for the design and Paul said no it would be more jazzed up, we were told cash only so my husband went across the road to the cash machine. I waited by the doorway Paul began having a heated discussion with another employee, the employee pointed out not in front of the customer to which I got up and walked outside to wait for my husband to return and we walked back in the shop together, paid and signed the consent forms. From there my husband had his tattoo done first, this took no more than 5 minutes to do, my husband noticed the name didn't look right and as he tried to point it out Paul told not to touch it and put more aftercare cream over the error he clearly made to continue to hide it, the whole experience felt rushed once we had handed our money over and our tattoos were covered with a black wrap. A couple of hours later we removed the wrap and noticed the mistakes made, I messaged the business facebook page straight away explaining the issues to which my message was read and not responded too. On my husband's tattoo there is a problem with the name where the r & i have been joined together in 2 points making it unreadable, also the line at the bottom of the heart goes further than it is supposed to, and on my tattoo the lettering doesn't follow the same handwriting style throughout the name and the shape of the heart is uneven. We went back into the shop this morning, Paul wasn't there so we were given a number to which my husband messaged explaining the issues and sent pictures. Paul rang my husband stating the writing was correct and that is just the style of writing, when my husband mentioned the line on the heart being overdrawn Paul said this was due to it being an hand drawn tattoo, however this wasn't on the stencil. Paul then went on to accuse us of being intoxicated and put the phone down. He then sent my husband a message to say he will be reviewing the CCTV. I'm not sure what he hopes to achieve from this other than validating our experience. From the photos you can see the quality of the work that Paul seems happy to put his name too. I can ensure you that these tattoos are definitely not worth £80 each and for the quality to be this badly done by an artist of 16 years is truly shocking. As for the accusations of being drunk, Paul had no issues taking our money and providing the service, I am more than happy for him to share his CCTV recording if he thinks that validates his work some way.

Don't let the skull and crosssbones on the shop's exterior scare you away, if you want a tattoo…read moreor are simply curious about getting one done, you just HAVE to come into this gothic cave of a tattoo parlour. This branch in Stretford on the forever bustling Chester Road, is the third in the chain and there are plans for a fourth in Manchester as business is doing so well. The tattoo designs are so creative and if you don't see anything that appeals, design your own and Tattitude will replicate it for you. Prices are very reasonable as a sleeve of tattoos ( a whole arm of them) will be charged at £50 per day as it has to be done in stages. Andrew the trainee tattooist was so well informed he educated me on this sacred art and I am seriously considering getting one done by them. He told me that they are a rarity in the Tattoo world as they even tattoo lips- I think I will pass on that one but its good to know. I was impressed with the attitude of the staff, the cleanliness of the shop and the range of merchandise as Tattitude is not simply a tattoo studio, oh no, it does body piercing, printed t-shirts, hoodies, hats and children's clothes starting off at £15 and other accessories as well . Now for the clincher, Andrew gave me some flyers for 20% off , I went home and raved about it to my friends and one took the plunge and I went back with her to get her navel pierced. It cost £16 with the flyer- a very good price. Andrew explained the aftercare thoroughly and a consent form checking basic medical history was given to my friend to sign. So if you think you got attitude ( or you wanna buy yourself some for a low price) call into this pirate style lair.....You won't regret it!!

I've had all of my piercings (apart from my septum) done at Holier Than Thou. Most recent is my…read moreeyebrow, so in the selfie it's a bit bruised but it's healing great. Never had any problems, people are always super nice and I love the atmosphere in the shop, the prices are totally reasonable (my septum is my most expensive piercing because it was at a convention, none of my others were over £30), and whoever pierces me always makes sure to be respectful, letting me know what's happening the whole time and making sure I know how to do aftercare. I've had 3 tattoos done here: my semicolon on my wrist, the text on my ankle, and my stomach runes. I'm also hoping to go there for a thigh piece in the future; I fully trust the artists and their quality, and I know that anything I get there I'm going to be happy with. The minimum charge of £60 is alright for most tattoos, though I admit it was quite a lot for my little semicolon. BUT, since that was my first tattoo and I wanted it to be perfect, I didn't really mind. I freaking love this place tbh, and several of my friends do too, and my sister loves them for piercings. I've never had a bad experience or felt uncomfortable whatsoever, 10/10 would definitely recommend!

Last year, being a fresher in university and enjoying freedom at its best coupled with the will to…read moretry something new every other day, my best friend and I, decided that it was time to stop piercing the ears (which off course had been punctured way too many times!) and go for the navel! The idea was way too thrilling. We were on the hunt and while taking a walk on the Oldham Street, we stood in front of this piercing parlour-'Holier than thou'; the name and its graphics instantly attracted me as a customer and we had finally picked our place. It's very neat and spacious when one glances from the outside, in contrast to many other dingy places in the city which give the idea of it not being safe somehow, if you're new to the constant 'piercing' world. The insides are full with shelves with any type of tiny jewellery you are looking for and this will definitely catch your eye and make you look forward to the experience. The staff was very polite and assuring, almost like the assuring nurses in a clinic! There is a separate room for the piercing which looks too clean for anyone to imagine, and thus puts the customer's fears to a rest, especially at a piercing parlour! My friend and I sat through it sequentially and the guy doing it, very skilfully engages us in flowery conversation and the job is done even before you can feel it! This place is complete in itself with a large collection of jewellery and is very helpful in case you need to go back for any questions or changes. You're also given a paper with all sorts of instructions to follow for 100% safety- very professional must say! Since then, I have been suggesting and sometimes even dragging friends for piercings here and none have left without a smile or thrill swept across their face! So if you're looking for a bit of body art and are unsure about hygiene, staff and jewellery, look no further and step right in!

I was recommended to come here after (again!) my boyfriend raved about how good an artist called…read moreBilly was - and it was clear from the work on his arm! I love old school tattoos and she fit the bill to a T. Her portfolio books, presented in an array in the studio, are specific yet vast. They really show her specific talents and act as a guide to the artwork she produces. If you don't see something you like, you can bring in drawings or ideas and she will help you create the ideal design with a drawing deposit (which you will have to pay anywhere you go). This is taken off the final payment for the tattoo as well! She's very friendly, knows her artwork and will help you in decisions - if you're not sure on colours, give her the reigns! She won't disappoint =) Don't be afraid of what you're going to talk about for 3 hours whilst having your tattoo done as she's good to talk to and she's happy to let you bring a friend with you too! I was really impressed with my tattoo, the detail, the colour and the specifically old school with brighter colours design. She adds her own artistic touch in the drawing and it's uniqueness is brilliant!

I've been in Afflecks a couple of times to get opinions on tattoo ideas and to ask them if a tattoo…read moreis possible. Both times I have been told no, when I know that is completely wrong. I may not have tattoos in obvious places but I have a few and I know what I'm doing. Today when I gave them a second chance to get an opinion on a cover up, not only did the artist say it wasn't possible, but the guy at reception basically turned his back on me when he realised I wasn't going to spend any money. I'm so sick of being treated like a second class citizen because if not looking "cool enough" in tattoo studios. Avoid this place unless you are a 14 year old emo.