Summer season is officially here, and many tattoo lovers across the North East will no doubt be flocking to their local studio to get some new ink to show off on the sunnier days.
And with a heatwave currently swarming the region, ink parlours and skin artists will be inundated with work, supplying the increased demand for fresh tattoos.
Many people will no doubt have their favourite hubs to visit when they want something new permanently etched onto their body, but other collectors might be looking for a change of style or scenery.
Read more: 11 North East tattoo artists who are big on Instagram
So here at ChronicleLive, we've rounded up the top ten tattoo parlours across Newcastle upon Tyne according to Google reviews - as a source of inspiration for those on the lookout for a new look.
The top 10 tattoo parlours in Newcastle:
10) Young Guns - 35 Station Rd N, Forest Hall, NE12 7AR
4.8 stars out of 5 based off 57 reviews
A quaint all-rounder in Forest Hall, known mainly for their thick lines and wide variety - Young Guns offers a range of different styles to cater to all customers' tastes. Far from one dimensional, you can expect the top traditional, amazing mandala, and captivating colours when visiting.
John Hall, complimented: "Great studio, with lots of artists working, so plenty of choice and styles. Would certainly recommend Chloe."
9) The Mutiny Tattoo Company - 27 Heaton Rd, NE6 1SA
4.8 stars out of 5 based off 68 reviews
A quirky, family-run studio on Heaton Road, Mutiny comprises of a number of renowned professionals and up and coming apprentices - each of whom have their own unique styles and senses of creativity. Big traditional pieces spanning limbs, chests and backs are a usual feature here, however, they also captivate realism in a fantastic manner.
Ronda Fougere, wrote: "I've had quite a few tattoos off Allan and Lauren and I've also had one from Shelby. I absolutely love all of my ink work!! The shop is friendly, full of banter and professional in an informal manner so you feel very comfortable."
8) Pure Ink 3 - 24 Nun St, NE1 5AQ
4.8 stars out of 5 based off 155 reviews
With three studios spanning Newcastle under the Pure Ink banner, it's safe to say that this lot attract plenty of business. Pure Ink 3 is the favoured of all according to Google reviewers, with big lines and even bigger colours being pumped out by tattooist John. With a completely different specialty altogether, Emma also has a keen and unique eye for dot-work, with her super slick black and grey portraits also out of this world.
Joseph Smith, said: "I’ve been here for two separate tattoos, both times the experience here has been great as the staff are really friendly. I got both my tattoos done by John and they look amazing.
"Will definitely be coming back and I highly recommend."
7) Northern Glory - 12 Princess Sq, NE1 8ER
4.9 stars out of 5 based off 96 reviews
A 'multi-talented' tattoo studio in Newcastle city centre, Northern Glory has built a budding reputation since its humble foundations. It's a go-to shop for many looking for fresh ink, bursting to the seams with colour and neo-traditional artwork. The tattoos in this Toon-based parlour have huge amounts of personality, just like the artists who work there.
Kaelin Maddison, wrote: "Couldn't fault Northern glory in the slightest! Such a good friendly atmosphere and they are doing absolute awesome tattoos with reasonable prices!
"Started me back tattoo with these and will be finishing my body with them too."
6) Cock a Snook - 5 Coast Rd, NE7 7RN
4.9 stars out of 5 based off 101 reviews
When you think of old-school tattoo parlours, Cock a Snook is probably the identical image which comes to mind. Sailor Jerry inside and out with little ornaments and knickknacks filling up the wall space - those wanting the traditional experience need look no further. Black and grey and negative space is always a heavy feature at Cock a Snook, but they do just about anything equally as well.
Erica Lindsell, commented: "I booked in for an all day session (sat for 7 hours!) and Becky was fantastic. It was not easy to sit that long, but I was made to feel as relaxed as possible in comfortable and clean surroundings.
"My tattoo is absolutely amazing and I am so in love with it. Would recommend Cock a Snook to anyone wanting a top quality tattoo!"
5) Northside Tattooz - Bewick Street, NE1 5EF
4.9 stars out of 5 based off 118 reviews
Ten artists covering all styles of tattooing is Northside, a critically acclaimed studio in the centre of Newcastle. There's plenty of variety at the studio itself, with staff constantly consulting with customers to get them the ideal piece of work. Whether you're looking for something plain and simple with little detail, or a full-blown tricky and intricate project, you'll get everything and more with Northside.
Murray BK, said: "Brilliant tattoo shop, got a piece done by Jaysin who I can't recommend enough. Came out better than I imagined, very happy with it.
"Everything was done clean and professionally, 6 hours of pain made bearable by good chat and good tunes. Will definitely be returning"
4) Trap Door Tattoos - 92a Rothbury Terrace, NE6 5DB
5 stars out of 5 based off 55 reviews
There are a select handful of artists who can pull of traditional Japanese tattooing across the region, and Trap Door are lucky enough to have Rob Fielder at their disposal. Rob can create and execute any design he puts his mind to, but his authentic Asian style is second to none. Jaysin Burgess also has out of this planet colours down to a tee, with his trad pieces guaranteed to come out eye catching.
Duncan Williams, reviewed: "I had a great experience with Adam Smith at Trap Door Tattoos, a very friendly but highly professional artist.
"I am absolutely stoked with the quality of the tattoo itself and the way that Adam worked with me on the design and placement. Also a very gentle tattooer, I can honestly say that it really didn't hurt at all! Absolutely brilliant. Thanks guys!"
3) Sakura - 56-58 Station Rd, South Gosforth, NE3 1QD
5 stars out of 5 based off 71 reviews
A super-professional tattoo studio in South Gosforth, housing a number of award-winning artists. Although Sakura may be up there at the more pricey end of the spectrum, you're guaranteed to get something above and beyond when visiting them. Their realism is like looking at a photograph, their colours give off a full HD experience and their creativity is completely mind blowing.
Helen Arnold, commented: "The best!
"They are all brilliant tattooists in Sakura, their attention to detail is incredible. They are a real team too, so the atmosphere is fantastic."
2) Evergreen - 1 Boyd St, Shieldfield, NE2 1AP
5 stars out of 5 based off 97 reviews
Right off the bat, Evergreen simply isn't the dark and grungy shop you might expect when visiting a tattoo studio. Instead, the owners have opted for a more clinic feel, and it certainly shows in the reviews which often complement the atmosphere. With regards to the tattoos, you'll also find some of the most creative minds across Great Britain working together. It's not the sort of place you would visit for your traditional skull or rose tattoo, but if you're looking for something outside of the box and truly unique, Evergreen is your best bet.
Emma Anderson, wrote: "Absolutely loved visiting Evergreen for my first tattoo.
"The studio is so chill and lovely, I was made to feel really calm and it's good vibes all round. Also my tattoo by Yolanda is stunning, I couldn't be happier with it! Will definitely be back."
1) Inkhouse - 11 St Mary's Pl, NE1 7PG
5 stars out of 5 based off 108 reviews
Capping off this list and in at number one is Inkhouse. A tattoo studio which caters to each and every style that the imagination can fathom, this busy parlour never says 'no' to a challenge. Realism, traditional and old-school, portraits, dot-work, patchwork - you can find it all and more at Inkhouse.
Steve Pallister, said: "Absolutely amazing tattoo artist and was made to feel so welcome by both mick and Jane. The whole experience from start to finish was brilliant.
"I have zero creativity but mick helped me get what I finally wished for, and also the best place to put it.
"If you really care about your tattoo and want a proper professional artist and fantastic advice then this is the place to go"
Read next:
-
20 amazing tattoos: Readers' most colourful, beautiful and surprising photographs
-
Big North Tattoo Show leaves its mark on Newcastle during a weekend of success
-
The new craze which sees mums and daughters get matching spray-on tattoos
-
Tattoos galore - Take a look at the North East's most bizarre tattoo decisions
