Tattoo #2 took two years of planning followed by a further two years of panicking over the right…read moretattoo parlour combined with a helluva lot of "should I/ shouldn't I" brain-stress (new word, add it to the dictionary). But 4 years on, I finally have the little pink flower I've been yearning for. And I have Manchester Ink to thank for it. My hairdresser has a lot of lovely ink, and when questioned, recommended this place to me. So off I went to investigate, and I liked what I saw, booked in, a bit of to-ing and fro-ing with the artist and voilà. There is a little reception area with a coffee machine and chilled drinks on sale, along with a computer in case you want to look up any images to discuss with the artist. The second room is where the business happens. It's super clean and sterile there. There are few places where the smell of bleach and disinfectant can be so pleasant and reassuring, but I reckon a tattoo parlour is one of them. They also have their own autoclave - the machine that sterilises all the equipment. From my experience, the staff all seemed very approachable and friendly. Yes, some of them are indeed covered head to toe in beautiful ink, but there was none of the stand-offish, superior behaviour that I was certainly concerned about when I went to get my first tattoo as a timid girl of 19. Because my tattoo was so small, and also quite simple, they said juste to arrive 10 minutes before the appointment to work with the artist. Initially I was a bit uncomfortable because I like to agree on a design before making the commitment (a £20 deposit at the time of booking). But actually it worked out pretty well: I mean there's no way I would have let anyone near me with a needle until I was totally satisfied anyway. I emailed some I ages over before I arrived, went through them with the artist, asked him to make a few changes, then a few more changes, and he seemed to be quite patient with me. The actual tattooing process was fine, and the guy listened to what I said about colouring etc as we went along. At the end I was given a sheet with my aftercare instructions on: handy as I have a brain like a sieve. I would definitely recommend this place. But do be careful if you're fickle or prone to changing your mind: ideally I would have liked to at least be able to sleep on it after choosing the final design to make sure it was definitely what I wanted. I don't think I would have changed anything, but it would have been more comforting!

I sent my sketches to them via email and I was contacted very quickly by a member of staff offering…read moreappointment slots and prices. I called to confirm my booking and put down a £20 deposit. A quick and hassle free way to book in for my tattoo. One of the tattoo artists had called in sick the day I was booked in so they were running a little behind schedule, but there were vending machines and a seating area to chill out in and browse some of their previous works prior to heading in. Plese note, their website also offers portfolios for most of the staff members so you know which artist to book with prior to going, depending on your style. The tattooing area was extremely clean and the staff prepare all of the equipment in front of you so you know it's safe. They have chairs and full beds so that you can be as comfortable as possible whilst getting inked. All staff were happy and friendly. Clearly they love what they do and take care to ensure that all customers go away satisfied. I will certainly be heading back again for my next tattoo!!

Ace Kustom of northenden are absolutely Fantastic. Had my Tattoo done years ago and it still looks…read morefresh. Plus had my Belly Button pierced. They go above and beyond, nothing is to much trouble and they have a wealth of Knowledge with regards to the healing process after wards. I will keep going back to them and would highly recommend. Well done to Dai and Michelle for all you do for your customers. Keep going strong. Thanks for everything :-) x

Ace kustom is a great tattoo studio tucked away in Northenden. The shop is owned by Dai and…read moreMichelle Cann, who are lovely! Dai is a great tattooist and an all round nice guy, they have a lot of flash or if you prefer you can discuss an idea with Dai and he'll draw up a custom piece for you. Michelle does the piercing, she also has her own line of Custom corsets with embroidered tattoo imagery, the front of the shop is full of jewellery, body jewellery, fascinators, and other bits and pieces from their travels- If you need an alternative gift you should definately have a look in one of the many display cabinets! There is a bit of a waiting list and you will have to pay a deposit, but it's worth the wait! Very clean and very professional.

Top artist had a cover up done on my leg of St George slaying the dragon over the moon with the…read moreoutcome will defo be back for more

buzzard is an excellent artist and great company to be around ,ive already had 3 tattoos off him…read moreand will be back on the 23rd april

A friend of mine has had several tattoos done here and I always like what he gets, I went to a…read moreflash event recently and I love my lil snail! The place itself is super nice, it's one of the coolest looking tattoo places I've ever been in, and the people there are generally really nice. The girl who tattooed me was awesome and people made you feel welcome and all, it was a great experience! And they do seem super hygienic so I trust that, and their aftercare seems great too, so I've heard.

From the owner: Tattoos, art, photography, piercingsread more

I lost my tattoo cherry at this long established & well respected studio & have been back since…read more My first piece, the ever predictable female choice of a tramp stamp, was done by one the studios guests artists and although I was reasonably happy with the result the artist wasn't very forthcoming despite me asking for some input in relation to the basic idea I had. The lines are very clean & the work is admired but I was left wanting more. My second trip to the studio was pretty different. I was lucky enough to have an idea that sparked the owners (Louis Malloy) interest which meant I now have a great tattoo & something that's a little different. The shading & the line work in my black and grey shoulder piece is fab, and the speed & lightness of touch with which LM works is pretty impressive. B e prepared though, fools aren't suffered gladly & you need to have a clear idea of what you want before you contact the guys here, especially if you want LM to do the work. Would I go back? Yeah, if I can be patient enough to wait for a reply to my email & actually get an appointment. Would I recommend the studio? Definitely, if your prepare to wait for a reply to your email, ha ha ha!! In all seriousness my Mum has since been tattooed here, as has one of my friends.

A studio that is different, modern and unique. This studio has been running for well over twenty…read moreyears and each year it grows and grows. As one of the most popular tattoo studios in the UK, it has many portfolios to show you their work as well as a few ideas for you. The studio founder Lou Molloy has won many awards over the years including outstanding artist of the year. With customers being celebrities, this tattoo studio has exceeded many limits. Don't be daunted by the fact that famous people have been there, that just shows how good this place is and everyone is welcome. Take a look at their website for more information!

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!

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!

Worth the travel. Tom Au, one half of Tenacious Tattoo is…read morethe brother of a friend so when I found out he had trained to be a tattoo artist and opened up his own shop I thought I would test his skills. I am very indecisive and never thought I would be able to choose a design that would last me the rest of my life but I knew the basics of what I wanted. So I emailed Tom and in just a couple days I had the most perfect design drawn. The drive from Manchester to Sheffield took just over an hour but was well worth it. Tom spent a good amount of time getting the sizing right and then drew the tree on me free hand. It looked just like the picture I was very impressed! And so the fun began. I had already had a tattoos before so I knew what to expect. The first tattoo Tom did for me was on the same part but opposite side (if that makes sense) of my body to a previous tattoo that hurt quite a bit. But Tom has this super calming manner about himself that he seems to share. I'm not saying it was pain free, but it definitely was less painful by a huge amount than my previous tattoos. Anyway, I lay there for 4 hours and the end result was fantastic! And the best part of it is I know it is unique because Tom designed it just for me and changed the parts I asked. I have since been back for more work done and plan to go back for the rest of my days. I would thoroughly recommend Tom from Tenacious Tattoo!

I've had a couple of tattoos from Deryn, one of the artists and owners of Tenacious Tattoo. Each…read moreone was after a lengthy discussion about what I wanted, including lots of drawing up of designs etc to make sure I was really happy with it. Then, cup of tea in hand, I lay back and let her do her work. I've had several tattoos from various studios, but Deryn is the best artist who has ever tattooed me - she's calm, happy to chat to take your mind off things, happy to take a break if you need it. The designs done by her (wrist and ankle) barely hurt at all. The shop (just round the corner from Darnall train station so fairly easy to get to) is welcoming and scrupulously clean, and all the staff are really friendly. They're very dedicated to making sure that tattoos are done right, so everything is (as it should be) sterilised/wrapped etc. Even with the high quality kit out and service, it's still incredibly moderately priced. Looking at work done by the other artists I'd say this is one of the best studios in the UK, and with a range of specialisations there will be an artist to suit most people. I can't see me travelling anywhere else.

Had my 1st tattoo done at the age of 50. I only had a small cat outline done on my upper arm, I was…read moreso impressed by the way I was treated and and the information I received about looking after it, that I'm already thinking about my 2nd tattoo. Obviously it'll be bigger with more colour.. 10/10 I can't wait

We have been using red dragon for years, the staff are great and friendly. We travel from Gr…read moreManchester all the time. would not go anywhere else ever.. Great work, great prices,

Very clean and professional. Irene is a very good artist…read morewith a good eye for what looks right and the staff are very friendly and helpful Would highly recommend for your tattoos

Really friendly, so glad i went in. I was reccomended by a friend who was really hapy and I wasn't…read moredissapointed. I got an stunning tattoo and all my friends have commented on how good it is. Thinking of going back for a cover up of my operation scar soon.