London Body & Ink

London Body & Ink is a tattoo and piercing shop on the corner of Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue and Willie van Schoor Drive in Bellville Park, Cape Town. Nadia places it near the Typo store in Tyger Valley Mall. Every review here is about piercings, and most describe patient, reassuring staff who are good with nervous clients.

What reviewers liked

• Calming nerves with humour: Nicollette, very sensitive to pain, says Chris was patient and funny enough to settle her before a nose piercing. Leo says the same about Chris when his daughter had her piercings done.
• Careful process: Nadia's piercer checked she was happy with the placement, explained what would happen and went through aftercare thoroughly, then checked in afterwards.
• Help choosing jewellery: Nadia says the staff member at the counter showed her suitable options while keeping everything sterile, and she was impressed by the emphasis on hygiene and aftercare.
• Friendly staff: Courtney-Ray describes a calm, caring team that made sure she felt reassured.

Good to know before you book

Ask about prices for smaller services up front. Ilse, who otherwise found the staff great, was unhappy to be charged R200 to remove a piercing and felt it was far too much compared with what she pays elsewhere. Nadia was helped promptly on arrival. If you are bringing a child or are anxious yourself, Leo's and Nicollette's experiences suggest asking for Chris. As none of these reviews cover tattoos, look for other feedback if that is what you are after.