Good Times Tattoo – Trusted Tattoo Studio in Hackney Central | Custom Tattoos East London

Welcome to Good Times Tattoo: What to Expect From Your Visit

Looking for a welcoming, experienced tattoo studio in Hackney Central? Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re adding to a collection, your visit should feel exciting, not intimidating. At Good Times Tattoo, we bring together creativity, professionalism, and easy conversation in a clean, licensed studio.

Based in Hackney Central since 2009, we’re known for custom tattoos, experienced artists, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps clients coming back across East London and the world.

A Friendly, Professional, Accessible Studio

Getting tattooed can feel like a big step—especially the first time. From the moment you walk in, we make the process clear and comfortable. We’ll discuss ideas, placement, size, and style, and translate your concept into a design that works beautifully on skin.

The studio is clean, fully licensed, and run to high hygiene standards. We’re wheelchair accessible via lift and welcome clients with access needs—just let us know how we can help.

Custom Tattoos Designed for You

We specialise in bespoke tattoos rather than off‑the‑shelf designs. Every piece is a collaboration between artist and client—and many clients trust us to “do whatever you like” within a style they love. Saying that, some of our artists also have several sheets of flash designs they have created for you to look through. You can choose directly from these or use them as more inspiration.

Our artists work across:

  • Japanese‑inspired tattooing
  • Fine line tattoos
  • Bold traditional
  • Black and grey
  • Realism
  • Folk Floral
  • Large‑scale body work and sleeves
  • Dotwork and illustrative tattoos
  • Cover‑ups and reworks      

From small, meaningful pieces to full sleeves and backpieces, we make sure the design fits you and heals well.

Laser Tattoo Removal and Fading

We offer professional laser tattoo removal at our Hackney Central studio, including targeted fading to prepare for cover‑ups. Treatments are carried out by Darren, a fully qualified Level 5 laser technician—the highest UK qualification in this field—using a Q‑switched laser suitable for a wide range of inks and skin types.

  • Consultation: We assess your tattoo, skin type, colours, and goals (full removal or fade for cover‑up).
  • Treatment plan: Most tattoos need multiple sessions spaced around 6-8 weeks apart; we’ll outline a plan at your consultation.
  • Aftercare: We will walk you through clear aftercare guidance to support healing.
  • Safety: Licensed studio, strict hygiene protocols, and experienced practitioner.
  • Pricing: Based on tattoo size; we’ll confirm your price at consultation.

Thinking about a cover‑up? A few laser sessions can expand your design options and improve the final result. Your artist can advise whether fading first will help your specific piece. Book your laser consultation now 

 

What Happens During Your Appointment

Consultation

We’ll sit with you and go over your ideas, references, placement, and sizing. Bring any inspirational images you have. So we can tailor the final artwork to make your tattoo unique.

Design Preparation

Depending on the project, your artist may prepare artwork in advance or create and refine it with you on the day. They may even draw directly on your skin freehand. It is sometimes better to work with your body and get a good flow. Don't panic, they won't start until you are both completely happy with the design.

Tattooing

After preparing the skin, we’ll place the stencil, confirm positioning, and start only when you’re happy. You can have breaks when needed, we will offer cups of tea and sweets for extra comfort, and make sure you are as relaxed as you can be.

Aftercare Advice

Good healing matters. Before you leave, we’ll explain exactly how to care for your tattoo and answer questions. You will also be sent an email after you have filled in your consent form, which has all your aftercare instructions, as we know it's sometimes hard to remember everything straight after a new tattoo. If you do have any questions when you get home, no matter how silly you think it is, just give us a call and we will talk you through it.

Experienced Artists, You Can Trust

Good Times Tattoo was founded by Nikole Lowe, who began tattooing in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1991 before moving to London in 2000 and working in some of London's most respected studios. Nikole also appeared on TV’s London Ink, and our team continues that standard of experience and professionalism.

Since opening in Hackney, we’ve built long‑term client relationships and a reputation for quality, with many clients returning for new projects or giving their artist creative freedom.

Tattoo Studio in Hackney Central, East London

We’re easy to reach from Hackney Central Overground, Hackney Downs, and surrounding areas, including Dalston, London Fields, Homerton, and Shoreditch. Our studio is in a vibrant, creative part of E5 with great transport links. We’re wheelchair accessible via a lift.

  • Address: 1st Floor, 8 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0PD
  • Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–19:00
  • Walk‑ins: Walk‑ins welcome most days when there’s availability; appointments recommended.

Book Your Consultation

Ready to start? Book a tattoo or laser removal consultation with an experienced artist in Hackney Central.

FAQs

  • Do you take walk‑ins? Most days, when there’s availability—check or call ahead. Appointments recommended.
  • Do you do cover‑ups? Yes. Bring inspiration photos of how you would like to cover your old tattoo so we can advise on options. Laser fading can improve cover‑up results.
  • Do you offer laser tattoo removal? Yes—performed by our fully qualified Level 5 laser technician using a Q‑switched laser. We provide full removal or targeted fading for cover‑ups.
  • How many laser sessions will I need? It depends on ink colours, density, age, placement, and your skin. We’ll estimate during the consultation.
  • How much does laser removal cost? Pricing is by size and confirmed at consultation.
  • How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment? Eat, hydrate, avoid alcohol, and wear clothing that gives easy access to the area.

We're looking forward to hearing from you