+ How do I book in?

We only accept bookings in person at the shop and accompanied by a deposit. We prefer to discuss your tattoo face to face so we can make sure we're both on the same page. Lab Monkey is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am until 6pm.

Feel free to bring any images that you think will help you to convey the tattoo you are looking for. Some things to think about before your initial visit include where you’d like the tattoo to be placed and whether you’d prefer colour or black and white.

Once you’ve paid your non-refundable deposit and we have booked you into the diary we’ll work on finalising your tattoo idea, which we’ll show you when you turn up for your next appointment.

+ What if I can't make my appointment?

Please contact us as early as you can if you have any problems.

We require 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice forfeit their deposit.

+ Do you have a shop minimum spend?

Yes, our shop minimum spend per tattoo is £40. Smaller tattoos that can be completed in one sitting will be priced per tattoo. Larger work, such as a sleeve, will be priced by the hour.

+ What deposit will I need to pay?

Deposits usually work on an hourly basis. For example a £20 deposit for a tattoo that will take one hour or a £40 deposit for a tattoo that will take two hours.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable. We currently only accept cash.

+ How much will my tattoo cost?

It's difficult to tell how much a tattoo will cost without seeing you in person and getting an accurate idea of what you want and the size and position involved. As such we can't give you an estimate over Facebook so you are best to pop into the shop.

+ How old do I need to be to get a tattoo?

You must be 18 years old to be tattooed. If you look under 25 please bring ID with you as we will need to photocopy it and attach it to your consent form.

Being over 18 is a legal requirement. Being allowed a tattoo under 18 because you have a permission slip from your mum is a myth...

+ Can you cover up an existing tattoo I have?

Yes. We’ll need to see the tattoo you want covered when you book in and it’s likely we’ll take some tracings of the existing tattoo as well as the area you’d like your new tattoo to fill.

Depending on the tattoo you already have it can be tricky to find a style that will both suit you and cover up the existing design. This might mean you won’t be able to get the exact tattoo you planned on having but we’ll discuss your options fully during your initial visit.

+ Do you offer piercings?

No, we do not offer piercings of any kind at Lab Monkey Tattoo.

+ How should I prepare before my tattoo?

On the day before your appointment we recommend drinking pineapple juice as it is a natural anti-inflammatory... and also one of your five a day.

On the morning of your appointment you should clean the area well. Pay particular attention to it during your morning shower. Please make sure you eat a light meal and drink plenty of fluids so you are hydrated.

We suggest you avoid alcohol the evening before and the day of. Not only is it a terrible idea to turn up hungover, we will turn you away if you show any signs of being drunk.

+ Will my tattoo idea work?

During your initial visit to the shop we’ll talk through your idea and offer you feedback.

Please don’t be disheartened if we think your idea won’t work as a tattoo. Sometimes images that look great as a painting or piece of art don’t translate well onto skin. Together, we have over 20 years of tattooing experience and we won’t go ahead if we think you’ll be left with a substandard tattoo.

+ What should I do afterwards?

We’ll give you an aftercare form after your appointment, but you can also read it online here on our Tattoo Aftercare page.

+ Should I still get tattooed if I'm unwell?

If you happen to be unwell on the day of your appointment please contact us as early as you can to let us know you won’t make it and rebook your appointment.

Getting a tattoo can be uncomfortable experience made even more so if you are under the weather.