The Purple Turtle, Reading – 9 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Purple Turtle — student bar photo

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The Purple Turtle -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 9 user ratings

9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR, United Kingdom

INFO


Purple Turtle, a Reading nightlife fixture for over 30 years, has been proudly serving since 1990 and is one of the city's longest-running independent bars. From its origins on Duke Street to its current location on Gun Street, it remains a right of passage for locals. The Turtle has a rich history of supporting local artists, hosting fundraisers, and providing decades of entertainment to Reading. With a commitment to showcasing talent, whether in DJing or live bands, Purple Turtle is a vital part of the local scene. Beyond entertainment, the bar actively contributes to charitable efforts, including events, donations, and support for initiatives like Readipop's festival.


TICKETS


To get tickets, you can visit their official website or check with authorized ticket vendors for availability and purchase options or check on the FIXR ticket app.

The Purple Turtle — student bar photo

infoImage credit: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fpurple-turtle-voted-one-most-12603501&psig=AOvVaw19-twez_8QiVrKb6PQF0nc&ust=1706032408235000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBUQjhxqFwoTCJj02IvI8YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAH

Reviews
1 of 9
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Drinks were surprisingly decent for what you pay, and I enjoyed the variety on the menu. on the flip side, the crowd can be a bit much at times; I expected a more laid-back vibe but ended up feeling a bit squeezed in. it's a mixed bag, but there's enough going on to keep things interesting.
By user891459 on Jun 27th 2026
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Arriving here, I was surprised by how spacious it felt compared to the usual cramped places. The layout allows for a decent amount of breathing room, which is nice when you just want to catch up with friends. Plus, the atmosphere was laid back enough that you didn’t feel rushed to finish your drink and leave.
By user396986 on Jun 22nd 2026
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Students who enjoy a lively atmosphere will find it suits them well here. The mix of upbeat music and a diverse crowd creates an energy that's hard to resist, especially on weekends. If you're looking to unwind after a week of classes and connect with others without much pretense, this place has you covered.
By user551211 on Jun 16th 2026
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Music selection at the purple turtle is always on point, really diverse and fun.
By user627962 on Jun 11th 2026
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Walking in, it was surprising how welcoming the atmosphere felt, especially considering how many nights it packs in the students. Everyone was just hanging out, chatting, and it didn't feel overly pretentious like some other places nearby, which made it easy to find a group to blend in with. Plus, the staff were quick with the drinks and seemed genuinely happy to be there, which added a nice touch to the whole experience.
By user597678 on Jun 6th 2026
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Music here is a mixed bag but if you’re into live bands, The Purple Turtle always delivers something fun
By user879666 on May 29th 2026
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Walking into The Purple Turtle, you can tell the staff takes pride in the place; there's a genuine effort to keep things clean and inviting. It’s refreshing to see bartenders who are engaged and ready to chat, rather than just going through the motions. While it might not be the main hotspot every night, you feel like people here actually care about creating a decent atmosphere.
By user832684 on May 24th 2026
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Crowd vibes here are pretty laid-back, with a mix of students and locals just enjoying their time. Met some great people who made me feel at home right away, and that connection really changed how I view this place.
By user411714 on May 19th 2026
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By user517764 on Aug 29th 2024