Cape Town Tattoo Social Club

Master tattooist launches the Mother City’s first combined body art studio and lifestyle space

Gone are the days when cafés just stocked coffee, when laundromats only washed linen and when motorcycle specialists just built bikes. Today, it’s all about being able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Or, in the case of Woodstock’s new Cape Town Tattoo Social Club, ink, sell and socialise in one space. Launched in September 2013 by mean master tattooist Milo “Mr Lucky” Marcer, this edgy third-floor setting combines a custom tattoo studio with an events venue and men’s lifestyle store in an effort to craft a whole communal experience around the art of inking.

And not only does the parlour give body art buffs a unique sort of all-round offering, it also promises visitors an uber comfortable atmosphere in which to take on a new tat.

“The idea was to recreate my lounge in a big studio environment,” explains the talented founder, who’s been in the business for a solid 26 years and has branded bodies as far and wide as London and New York. “It’s important that when people arrive they feel like they’re walking into my home, not my studio.”

A set of comfy leather couches arranged on a Persian rug on one side of the store and an expansive outdoor wraparound balcony channel this sort of homely, laidback vibe and also reflect the central ethos that this is as much a place for ink enthusiasts to just hang out, chat and chill as it is a spot for tattoo junkies to add to their growing collection.

As for the sort of service clients can expect here, well, Milo insists on keeping it super personalised. He and his team of two consult directly with patrons to conceptualise quality custom-made pieces, and the trio are adept at creating the full spectrum, from super-realist design, script and portraits to Polynesian emblems and biomechanical sketches (though gifted at reproducing all of the styles, Milo is best known for his old-school colour work).

What’s more, the likeable owner tries to ensure a constant flow of fresh ideas by hosting top international guest artists from time to time. So, clients keen to be inked by worldly outsiders have this option here too.

And, as mentioned, because the brilliant Mr Lucky enjoys many creative pursuits, he hasn’t limited the studio’s focus to tattoos. That is, the owner has collaborated with local designers and manufacturers to put together a retro men’s lifestyle brand called Greasers that includes everything from T-shirts and jeans to straight razors and skincare products (shaving soap, body wash and the like), all of which are available from the studio.

The versatility of the Woodstock parlour doesn’t end here though. In line with the social emphasis, the tattoo club also regularly hosts vibey live music and entertainment evenings out on its alfresco balcony, so clients get a chance to mix and mingle (these events are invite only) and enjoy the striking bird’s-eye view of the vast Cape Town cityscape unravelling below.

It goes without saying then, it surely won’t be long before this edgy one-of-a-kind parlour makes its mark on the Mother City’s ink crowd.

Note: The Cape Town Tattoo Social Club works on a by-appointment basis only, so be sure to call or mail ahead to arrange a time to visit. Though, if you’re a long-term client just looking to hang out, feel free to pop in at any point.

The Bill: Milo and his team work on an hourly rate that varies depending on the individual artist’s experience. So, swing by for a free consultation and ask for a quote.

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12pm – 8pm

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Keen to learn about where else you can get inked? Read about other tattoo studios in Cape Town.

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