The Purple Turtle, Reading – 13 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing
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

The Purple Turtle -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 13 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 13
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bartenders here know how to keep the drinks flowing while staying upbeat and engaging, which really sets the mood. It feels like they genuinely care about ensuring everyone has a good time without rushing you through your evening.
By user724755 (Reading) on Jul 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff here are really on it, always making sure the place runs smoothly without a hitch. their attention to detail keeps things reliable, which is nice when you just want to unwind with friends
By user345033 (Reading) on Jul 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music here can really make or break the experience. when it hits right, the energy shifts and everyone seems to connect, but on quieter nights, it feels a bit flat and less engaging.
By user778537 (Reading) on Jul 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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 (Reading) on Jun 22nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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 (Reading) on Jun 16th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music selection at the purple turtle is always on point, really diverse and fun.
By user627962 (Reading) on Jun 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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 (Reading) on Jun 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
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
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
By user517764 (Reading) on Aug 29th 2024