Reviews (continued)

Keng continued tattooing but Lauren was keen for him to sample life in Britain where they eventually hope to raise family. "I felt it was important for him to come to my country to appreciate a different culture and realise where I come from," she says.

The couple came to Britain in May and Keng is now learning English to communicate with customers at Bamboo Rooms, the shop they have set up in Shipley, not far from Guiseley where Lauren grew up.

Yorkshire may be different to his country but Keng's huge hand-painted wall mural, depicting a dragon, Koi Karp and flowers, is a reminder of home.

Is there a demand for tattooing in Bradford? "I think it's big at the moment," says Lauren. "In the past people would not have one because it was considered that it wasn't the thing to do, the perception was that it was seedy but now you have big superstars with tattoos like David Beckham and Angelina Jolie. People see a superstar with it and think they would like one."

Lauren has six tattoos. She was 18 when she had her first one, a seahorse on her back. "I suppose I wanted to be a rebel and be cool," she laughs.

She bears a butterfly on her chest, her husband's name in Thai on her arm, some floral work on her back and a tiny flower on her toe. The base cleft on her ear is a symbol she shares with her musically-minded pals.

I squirm when she talks about Keng cosmetically tattooing her eyeline. "You wake up and your make up is done!" she says. What is it they say - no pain no gain! Lauren says Keng is covered from head to foot. Only his bottom is bare from tattoos!

Says Keng: "I really like doing it and I think people like my designs. I can draw anything they want. I enjoy drawing and I enjoy meeting people."