The Purple Turtle, Reading – 17 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Purple Turtle -

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Based on 17 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.

Reviews

1 of 17

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Music makes or breaks a night out, and the Purple Turtle gets it right with a solid mix that caters to different tastes. it’s not just the tracks that keep people on the dance floor; the energy from the crowd lifts everything. you come away feeling like you were part of something memorable, which is what makes returning all the more tempting.

By user591891 (Reading) on Aug 13th 2026

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Caught up in a lively conversation with friends, the whole place felt alive with a mix of laughter and good tunes. It was one of those nights where the energy just pulled you in, and the bright lights of The Purple Turtle made it all feel electric.

By user204133 (Reading) on Aug 6th 2026

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Getting a drink took longer than expected because of the crowd, but the music made it worth the wait. just plan ahead if you're thirsty.

By user572075 (Reading) on Jul 29th 2026

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Crowd energy was a blast, but busy nights can feel overwhelming. Could go back for the music, but might look for somewhere less packed next time

By user267552 (Reading) on Jul 24th 2026

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At The Purple Turtle, the lively atmosphere is hard to miss. The bartenders maintain a steady flow of drinks, and their enthusiasm makes for an enjoyable evening. You can really see that they want everyone to have a good time without feeling rushed. 🍹

By user724755 (Reading) on Jul 18th 2026

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The Purple Turtle is the perfect hangout when you just want to kick back and relax with friends. It's such a relief knowing everything is taken care of, thanks to the staff's meticulous attention to detail. The vibe is always chill and reliable, making it a great place to unwind.

By user345033 (Reading) on Jul 13th 2026

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Not much can beat grabbing a drink at the purple turtle after lectures, especially when you're on a tight budget. the atmosphere's chill and it draws a solid mix of students, making it a good place to unwind and catch up with mates without stressing over the cost.

By user488211 (Reading) on Jul 8th 2026

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The energy here shifts with the crowd, creating an exciting atmosphere. Sometimes, it’s buzzing with liveliness that brings everyone together, while other times, the vibe feels a bit more relaxed. It's a versatile spot that can surprise you with its dynamic feel.

By user778537 (Reading) on Jul 2nd 2026

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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 (Reading) on Jun 27th 2026

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Surprisingly spacious compared to other cramped venues, it has an open layout that allows for a nice amount of breathing room, making it ideal for hanging out with friends. The laid-back atmosphere means there's no rush to finish up and leave. 😊

By user396986 (Reading) on Jun 22nd 2026

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The Purple Turtle is a great spot for students looking to unwind after a long week of classes. With upbeat music and a welcoming crowd, it’s a perfect place to relax and meet new people. It manages to strike a balance between a lively atmosphere and a friendly, no-frills environment, especially on weekends. If you're in the mood to connect and enjoy some fun, this place is definitely worth a visit.

By user551211 (Reading) on Jun 16th 2026

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The atmosphere here tends to be lively and enjoyable. It's a space where you can have a good time with a diverse crowd.

By user627962 (Reading) on Jun 11th 2026

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I really love how The Purple Turtle creates such a welcoming atmosphere, even when it’s packed with students. The vibe is super relaxed, and people are just chatting away without any of the pretentiousness you might find in other places. It’s so easy to connect with others here. The staff also makes a big difference; they’re really quick with the drinks and seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs, which just enhances the whole experience.

By user597678 (Reading) 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 (Reading) 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 (Reading) 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 (Reading) on May 19th 2026

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By user517764 (Reading) on Aug 29th 2024