The Purple Turtle Bars & Clubs in Reading – GayOut Guide
Gay Bars & Clubs LGBTQ+ Friendly

The Purple Turtle

Google (2986) 4.2
Tripadvisor (172) 3.7
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What reviewers say

Visitors praise the Purple Turtle for its good music, especially on Fridays, and its welcoming atmosphere with fun and helpful staff, with some mentioning great cocktails and a unique multi-level outdoor area. However, a common complaint is about rude security guards and a perceived decline in music quality and vibe on certain nights, with one reviewer also expressing concern about cameras in the toilets.

79
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.2 🦉3.7
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Address
9 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR, UK
📞
Phone
0118 959 7196
🌐
Website
purpleturtlebar.com

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About this place The Purple Turtle

The Purple Turtle is a Reading institution — an independent alternative bar and late-night club tucked away on Gun Street in the town centre, open into the early hours at weekends. Known for its rock, indie and alternative music policy, cheap drinks and unpretentious basement dancefloor, it has long drawn a mixed, open-minded crowd rather than a strictly mainstream one. While it is not a dedicated gay bar, the Turtle is regularly named among Reading's more inclusive and welcoming venues and is a fixture on nights out for students and the local alternative scene. Expect DJs, occasional live bands and themed nights; check the bar's own channels for current listings and opening hours.

Features

Gay-friendly (straight venue) Live music Mixed ethnicities Young crowd (under 30) Dance Underground Dive bar Local favorite DJ sets Dance club Dive bar Outdoor terrace Late night (after midnight)

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.2
★★★★★
2,986 reviews

Based on 2,986 Google reviews.

Julian Clark
Julian Clark Jun 2026
★★★★★

Great place an 80s disco

arthur billingsley
arthur billingsley Jun 2026
★★★★★

Great venue can't wait to go back

Stephen Davie
Stephen Davie May 2026
★★★★★

Standard bar. Nightmare to find the toilets. Would return though.

zosko1
zosko1 May 2026
★★★★★
Ethan Gardner
Ethan Gardner May 2026
★★★★★

Gave was such an amazing member of staff. She went above and beyond her role to make my night the best.

Jorge Iván Jaramillo Herrera
Jorge Iván Jaramillo Herrera May 2026
★★★★★
basant sain
basant sain May 2026
★★★★★

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Last updated on 6 October 2026

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