Vilma Aleksandravičiūtė-Vitkauskienė, a Lithuanian tattoo artist and founder of England’s first tattoo bar, has built a unique space where ink and cocktails come together in an extraordinary way.
From an early age, Vilma was drawn not to princesses, but to mystical and magical beings – angels, demons, and other fantastical figures. Her artistic journey has now led her from sketching on paper and canvases to etching intricate designs on human skin.
I visited Tattoo Bar in London’s Royal Wharf district on the eve of Halloween, when the venue was adorned with enchanting decorations. However, this mystical atmosphere is not reserved for Halloween; it’s a year-round presence. Upon entering, the space immediately captivates with its striking decor. The floors, resembling the surface of the moon, lead to a majestic sculpture of the Moon Goddess, which seems to guard the venue. On the second floor, a stunning moon installation deepens the otherworldly feel.
“New visitors often ask, ‘Do we need to get a tattoo first before enjoying a cocktail?’” Vilma laughs. “There’s no place like this in England, so not everyone understands the concept.”
Vilma’s personal story is as fascinating as the space she has created. Born into a Lithuanian family with noble roots, her decision to become a tattoo artist was initially met with shock. “My grandmother once told me that I was doing a ‘criminal’s job’ and bringing shame to the family,” Vilma recalls. However, as time passed, attitudes shifted, and her grandmother even asked Vilma to design and tattoo a family symbol. This evolution is mirrored in Tattoo Bar, a creation that reflects not only Vilma’s passion for tattoos but also the strength and resilience of her family.
A Vision Brought to Life
The idea behind the Tattoo Bar was inspired by Vilma’s clients. Having been a tattoo artist for over 20 years, she often heard similar comments after completing more intricate pieces: “I deserve to treat myself to a cocktail, champagne, or a glass of wine.” Many clients, especially those bringing a support team, wanted to celebrate their tattoo experience. “They would joke, ‘Why don’t you open a bar next to the studio?’” Vilma says. Eventually, the suggestion stuck, and the vision for a combined tattoo studio and bar was born.
Strict Standards for Safety and Enjoyment
While the idea of drinking before getting a tattoo may sound appealing to some, Vilma is clear: “No, absolutely not.” She explains that alcohol and tattoo studios are often considered incompatible, but she and her team succeeded in acquiring the necessary licenses to combine the two. “It’s a stereotype in movies that a group of friends drinks too many cocktails and then wakes up with tattoos they regret,” Vilma notes. Responsible artists would never tattoo someone who has been drinking, as it is not only unsafe but also illegal. Before any tattoo is done, clients must sign a form confirming they are sober, understand the process, and have no health issues, such as allergies.
Once the tattoo is complete, however, clients are invited to relax and enjoy a cocktail, responsibly celebrating their experience in the bar area.
Tattoo Trends and Shifting Styles
Over the course of her career, Vilma has seen tattoo trends evolve dramatically. “Trends are always dictated by celebrities and public figures,” she says. When she started tattooing, there was no internet or social media in Lithuania, and tattoo inspiration came from foreign catalogs. Simple, classic designs such as roses, scorpions, and dragons were popular, especially among women, while men often opted for large, spiky patterns. Today, many clients return to update or cover up these older tattoos.
Vilma also notes that social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have reshaped tattoo trends. Two key directions have emerged: ultra-minimalistic designs or large, detailed tattoos that cover significant areas of the body. Medium-sized tattoos have nearly disappeared. Popular themes include lotus flowers and geometric patterns, often tied to themes of yoga, spirituality, and personal growth.
A Personal Connection to Ink
Though Vilma has a few tattoos herself, she admits that her busy schedule leaves little time for adding more. “I’d like more, but I can’t tattoo myself, and I often don’t have time to visit another artist,” she says.
One of her more significant tattoos, a piece on her arm, has deep personal meaning. “When I was younger, I got a bracelet tattoo – a big trend at the time,” Vilma reflects. “But over the years, I realized it no longer reflected who I was.” Her new tattoo, which includes symbols of her heritage and family, is a work of art that holds emotional weight. It features a hat, symbolizing her family’s noble history. “My grandmother used to tell me that we were descended from counts, that we had ‘blue blood.’” The tattoo also includes symbols for her husband and two children.
“For me, this tattoo represents my roots and the responsibility I’ve had to develop over time,” she says. “Growing up with just my mother and sister, I had to learn independence early on. This tattoo reminds me that my family is my foundation. It’s a symbol of my responsibility to hold everything together and persevere through life’s challenges.”
Vilma’s journey – from overcoming family skepticism to becoming a trailblazer in the tattoo industry – is a testament to her resilience and passion. Today, her Tattoo Bar stands as a unique fusion of art, culture, and celebration, offering a space where clients can both mark their bodies with meaningful ink and unwind with a drink in hand.
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