WHEN it comes to getting inked, what’s your favourite design?

A small heart or cross, a significant date or name, or maybe you’d opt for something bigger like a lion or tiger.

How about a Celtic design with knots and scrolls or a nautical themed tattoo with stars that has grown in popularity in recent years.

So far in our Best of 2023 competition, we’ve searched for Mid Cheshire’s best in a number of categories.

Oliver Gibney Hairdressing is Best for Hair, Best for Pies went to Ka Pie and Samantha Dean Nails and Makeup is Best for Nails.

The award for Best for Roast Dinner went to The Red Lion in Little Budworth, Grape and Bean is Best for Cocktails and Best for Breakfast went to Kanya Bistro and Bar.

Next up we were looking for the area’s Best for Fitness, which is Simon Daniels, and voting for Best for Fish and Chips was taking place last weekend.

This week, it’s tattoos and we know it will be no easy feat to choose a winner which is why we’ll be handing over the final decision to those who know best – our readers.

Now we need your help to choose the winner from our 12 shortlisted nominees.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best for Tattoos shortlists post on our Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich, and Knutsford Facebook and Twitter pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich and Winsford Guardian or Knutsford Guardian (Thursday, June 15 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different coupon submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday, June 19 and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR TOP 12 BEST FOR TATTOOS SHORTLIST:

Thunderkiss

Thunderkiss

Thunderkiss Tattoo, Hightown, Middlewich

One review on their Facebook page said: “Found this place by chance less than a year ago and have been back a couple of times now.

“I won't be going anywhere else as I’m so happy with their work. “

For more details go to facebook.com/thunderkisstattoo

Aurora

Aurora

Aurora, Weaverham

A review on their Facebook said: “They gave advice about where to position my tattoo on my thigh as I was unsure and it looks awesome.

“There’s a great atmosphere in a great studio – everyone is very friendly.

“I'm already planning my next one.

“Five stars!”

For more details go to facebook.com/AuroraTattooStudios

Maneki Neko Tattoo

Maneki Neko Tattoo

Maneki Neko Tattoo, Witton Street, Northwich

One regular has had five tattoos done at this popular place and another simply said they’re “amazing”.

Another said they would recommend Maneki Neko Tattoo “one hundred per cent”.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063693305227

Newf247 ink

Newf247 ink

Newf247 Ink, Chester Road, Winsford

One recommendation said: “I can't tell you how at ease I was from the moment I walked in the door.

“everyone was really friendly and calmed any nerves I had.

“I felt comfortable throughout and I'm already looking to book my next piece!”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069657645429

Body Wrapped Tattoos

Body Wrapped Tattoos

Bodywrapped Tattoos, Middlewich

One nomination said “I can’t fault him” and another was impressed by the “very professional approach to their work”.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066881816064

Sacred Arts Cheshire, Chester Road, Northwich

This is a “really friendly and welcoming place” to get some new ink with work completed to “an extremely high standard”.

For more details go to facebook.com/SacredArtsCheshire

Art N Soul

Art N Soul

Art N Soul, Witton Street, Northwich

One happy customer has returned several times for new artwork on their body at Art N Soul and they’re already planning their next tattoo.

Another said: “Hands down the best – super talented and super friendly.”

For more details go to facebook.com/northwich.ink

Studio 101

Studio 101

Studio 101, Birtwistle Buildings, Winsford

Happy customers like the “immaculate and clean studio” and the professional service available at Studio 101.

One reviewer said: “After 20 years, I have finally found an artist who did exactly what I wanted.

“The needle technique is amazing and they put my nerves to rest.

“I will definitely be going back!”

For more details go to facebook.com/studio101winsford

Ink Fx Tattoo

Ink Fx Tattoo

Ink FX Tattoo, Langford Road, Lostock Gralam

One nomination said: “This is the best place by a mile.”

Another said: “Amazingly talented and a simply lovely experience in a great studio.”

For more details go to facebook.com/inkfxtattoo

Twisted Ink

Twisted Ink

Twisted Ink, Winsford Market, Winsford

One happy customer said: “I’m absolutely over the moon with my new tattoo!

“Simon always goes above and beyond and really listens to what it is that you’re wanting!!

“I won’t go anywhere else.”

For more details go to facebook.com/twistedinkedtattoo

Buttercup Studio 1

Buttercup Studio 1

Buttercup Studio 1, Winnington

This is a home studio that is “very clean and relaxing and always has great music”!

One recommendation said: “I had a tattoo that was designed just for me and it has huge sentimental value.

“I love it.”

For more details go to facebook.com/buttercupstudio1

Northwich Guardian: Dash'INKaDash'INKa (Image: Image supplied)

Dash’INKa, Fernway, Winsford

Dash’IKNa is a Winsford-based tattoo studio specialising in fine line and miniature realism.

One happy customer simply said that this place is “absolutely amazing” so it was a must for our shortlist.

For more details go to facebook.com/DashINKaCustomTattoo

SacredArts Cheshire

SacredArts Cheshire

Sacred Arts Cheshire, Chester Road, Northwich

This is a “really friendly and welcoming place” to get some new ink with work completed to “an extremely high standard”.

For more details go to facebook.com/SacredArtsCheshire