Best tattooist in London for portrait/realistic work?

[Jinxed]

Any recommendations would be brilliant.

I went to The Family Business Tattoo shop in London, and saw some decent work, but the portfolios didn't have much portraiture. The tattoo I want contains realism/art nouveau/water colour effect and it is the figure/face of a woman. I want it as a big thigh piece.

At the moment I'm considering Valerie Vargas at Frith Street, I've heard a lot of good things about her and a lot of her work seems to be images of women.
Edit: Apparently she has a two year waiting list and isn't taking any more appointments. Wow, disappointed.

Any ideas anyone? This will be my first tattoo!

[neverisalways]

Have you looked at Evil from the Needle in Camden, Skunx Tattoo in Angel, or Tattoo 13 in Soho?

Or Flamin' Eight in Kentish Town and Diamond Jacks in Soho as well. Theres a fair few good tattooists in London I've had a quick look at their galleries and each seems to have someone or artists who turn out nice realistic work.

If none of them suit then why not just wait for Valerie? It may be a long wait but if it's what you really want. Saying that I've not seen too much realistic work from her personally.

[Dark Matter]

Mirek vel Stotker at Stotker Tattoos is brilliant (in Islington), has lots of portraits in his portfolio and they are amazing. But you will wait for an appointment at least 3 months. TBH if you want someone really good they're going to be booked up. I think its worth it to wait.

But whoever you decide to go to, please post us pics afterward...I always love to see new ink!

[myhappymassacre]

Valerie's work is gorgeous but I wouldn't say it's realistic, really.

Piotrek's work is lovely- he's at Good Times Tattoo at the moment I think.

Or Kamil is always somewhere in London!

[Jinxed]

Thanks for the helpful comments all, I will go check these out!

[Jinxed]

Stuck between Piotrek at Good Times and Joao Bosco from The Family Business at the moment. Have a consultation with Joao in July though, I love his b&g work.

[KamikazeKitten]

Allison Lawson is amazing. She's from Canada, but she spends a lot of time in the UK. She's not the cheapest, but it's totally worth it. I got tattooed by her about a year ago and I'm still in love with it. Check out her fb page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alliso...on/88761953176