Purple Turtle

Monday: 11:00 - 03:30
Tuesday: 11:00 - 03:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 03:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 03:00
Friday: 11:00 - 03:30
Saturday: 12:00 - 04:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 03:30

About Purple Turtle

Purple Turtle, Readings longest running independent bar. Open until 3am and 4am on Weekends, great underground club + Live Music scene.

Purple Turtle Description

OVER 18's ONLY

PAST GUESTS
Maribou State - Live / Fabio & Grooverider / Teleman / Pied Piper / MC DT / Spectrasoul / Bailey / Billy Nasty / DJ Andy Smith / The Parrots / Oscar / Count Skylarkin / Earl Gateshead / Gengahr / Jim Bob (Carter USM) / Sundara Karma / The Amazons / Tibet / Palace / Geno Washington / Son of Dave / Hidden Charms / Cabbage / The Shimmer Band / Dexters / VANT

Reviews

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SoundJam, bringing you your weekly fix of all things bass, every Saturday.
This week:
Jay Walk (Down at the Dojo)... MajorKaos (SoundJam) Karlos Farnos (Last UK set) Fabricate (SoundJam)
Hosted by: Mista Wong & Guests
HOUSE - UKG - BASS - FUNKY - GRIME
Free Entry - ID4ALL.
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"The new queen of Hip Hop Soul" - MistaJam
This Saturday 15th Sept Harleighblu with support from EZRA OLD SOULS - FREE ENTRY! | 8pm

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Did you know that we host weekly partnered dance classes downstairs? Join Reading Swing Jam for their Thursday Blues class and learn to slow dance. Their beginner's course starts tonight at 7:30pm and it's the perfect way to get started: all welcome, no partner, experience or booking required!

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The Fab Fish Fry presents...
The Ding Dong Daddios - live Jim B. Donovan DJ Set
... The FINEST swing and jump Jive band in the WORLD comes to the Purple Turtle for a night of dancing on the bar, swing around your head antics.
Reading's FINEST DJ Jim Donovan jumps on the 1's and 2's from 7pm to get you in the moooood.
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We present to you a special Halloween party, featuring a fantastic Brass Band that is gonna MURDER YOU!!!
Les Fanflures Brass Band - live
more to be announced

User

We have a fantastic fundraiser/ awareness event on the 22nd Sept! You should all come! Charity Fundraiser: L1nkn_p4rk + Deffertones - Tribute NIGHT

User

What a FAB month of BBC Music Introducing LIVE shows coming in Sept featuring... Lacuna Common, LongDayLateNight, RIP Love, Only Sun, HOOLi, Eat Daddy Eat, SHANGHAI BLUES, Warp Rays

User

Only a week until The Specials (Official) founder, Jerry Dammers performs a special DJ set in our courtyard! 1pm-9pm ALL DAY PARTY!

User

1st Sept - king of 'chap-hop' performs the Purple Turtle Professor Elemental - live

User

15th Sept Harleighblu - live!
"The most promising English Soul voice" - Les Inrocks "The new queen of Hip Hop Soul" - MistaJam“
... A lot of people are asking about Harleighblu… I like that!” – Trevor Nelson (BBC 1XTRA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g60xN_0a MM
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Dr Syntax + Pete Cannon UK Tour Dates

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TONIGHT! 31st August! The Highwasters will be bringing their MOD sounds to the Purple Turtle!
https://www.facebook.com/events/670637883 301106/

User

New Show Announcement! 27th October Dr Syntax + Pete Cannon - LIVE!

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Dr Syntax + Pete Cannon - live + special guests
Dr Syntax (MC) and Pete Cannon (producer/DJ/MC) have been making music and touring together since 2010. They are well renowned for smashing shows all over the UK, and at festivals such as Boomtown Fair (UK) and Outlook (Croatia).
... Both reputed solo artists in their own right, their collaborative releases ‘Killer Combo’, 'Elaborate Anoraks','The Tonic' and their new album 'Let's Talk' combine witty, insightful lyricism and gob-smackingly banging beats to great effect. While their sound is rooted in hip hop for the most part, their riotous live performances showcase their versatility with ventures into bass music, old skool hardcore and jungle.
Known for his unique style and deep vocal tone, Dr Syntax has been a highly regarded name in the UK Hip Hop scene since he appeared on Foreign Beggars’‘Asylum Speakers’ album in 2004. Since then he has released numerous albums including his classic 2007 debut 'Self Taught', and 'Scene Stealers', his 2008 collaboration with Skrein as Skreintax.
More recently, his name was synonymous with acclaimed Manchester band The Mouse Outfit. He appeared on their albums 'Escape Music' and 'Step Steadier', and toured with them relentlessly across the UK and Europe from 2012-2017.
Pete Cannon is an incredibly prolific and versatile producer, having collaborated with Action Bronson, Guilty Simpson, Del The Funky Homosapien, Rizzle Kicks and Lunar C to name a few. He has worked extensively with UK hip hop's best known label, High Focus, notably producing tracks for Dirty Dike, Jam Baxter and Verb T, and entirely producing the 'High Focus Remixes' album. As versatile and skilled behind the decks as in the studio, his jungle sets have become the stuff of legend. His forays into jungle and drum and bass have recently found him a new audience, producing for Hospital Records' artist Inja, with many more releases scheduled for 2018.
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This week SoundJam teams up with Inspirations for a night of Tech House & Bass
Line up:
Rob Randell ... Tom Major Matt Lake
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SoundJam, bringing you your weekly fix of all things bass, every Saturday.
This week we bring you another special event, teaming up with the Hi-Density crew to bring you MC Bamski’s Bday Bash with Uncle Dugs.
Full line up:
... UNCLE DUGS (Rinse FM) w/ MC Bamski Hi-Density Records Showcase w/ Kray-z, Kovert, Kruger & Treason. MajorKaos (SoundJam) Tom Grimehouse (Elevated Bass) Slither
MCs: Bamski 38MC Kruger Perseverance Treason Yardee
Purple Turtle Reading RG1 2JR. FREE ENRTY - ID4ALL - 22:00 - 03:30
Arrive early to avoid queuing and guarantee entry.
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Musical Bear Records presents...
Shoals 'When The News Is Bad' Single Launch Party.
Featuring...
... Shoals - live The Pin-ups - live
During their formative years, shoals focused on making music that reflected the eclectic tastes within the band, but mostly on their shared love of 60’s Psycedelia, grooves of Motown and British guitar music of the early 90’s, a cornerstone that remains the blueprint of the group at present day.
Through the first four years, shoals began to rise through local scene of Reading bands before going on to headline shows in London and gain radio play nationally, most notably the single “Rarest Rose’ being picked up by Radio 2 host Dermot O’leary. This exposure earned the band some notable support gigs, including Manchester legends Inspiral Carpets and Britpop favourites The Bluetones, before going on tour with The View.
After a 2 year hiatus, shoals are back, signing to Musical Bear records after two hugely successful comeback gigs in their hometown of Reading. shoals have been writing continuously since reforming and are about to release their first single in three years this Autumn “When The News Is Bad”. The band have big ambitions for the coming months with new material and Live shows, and rumours of an album in 2019.
The band release 'When The News Is Bad' on Friday the 21st of September; with a launch show planned on the same day at the The Purple Turtle, in Reading.
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The fantastic The Mark II are back!
Kicking you in the bumpers with motown, soul, northern, stax ahhhhh good times. TALC NOT INCLUDED.

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SUBFACTORY presents fluid 20 years on
Neil mac and solitude InertiaFXS aka Dj Trojan Deadly P, Whizzkid... Crindle, Maxi McGoo Sye MC, Mr Wong, Danny RB,
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The only bar I ever go to when I'm in Reading. Used to go to the old PT back in the early 90s. Loved it then. The 'new' one (not really that new :D ) is great. Good music - a bit of something for everyone, friendly bar staff (well, they're always friendly to me. Treat them with respect. They work hard), good atmosphere, some good people and some banter. What's not to like? I wouldn't and won't go anywhere else. If I'm in Reading, you'll always find me sitting in the corner of the bar on a Friday. Don't be shy! Say hello. :) Great place.

User

Staff & security are pretty awesome. The music is decent too (Sunday is Reggae night :) ) I like how chilled out everything is here - no stress :)

User

Love it here! Managers are lovely and so are the staff (most of them not the tall punk looking guy he has a serious attitude)

Always start the night and normally end it here!

Bouncers look after you too �

User

Have played the venue with my band Who Killed Nancy Johnson? so speaking here from the performer side: it's great. Sound is good, there is a passing crowd who come in to check out the bands, and people there were helpful and professional. Only downside is parking is a bit difficult, although you can drive round the back for load in.

User

Great atmosphere- it's a young vibrant place but lots of people having been coming here for 10/15 years! Since the refurbishment a few years ago it's just got better and lost none of its inclusive charm. Good music, good drinks.

User

Debra looked after me and made me feel so welcome for the second time x

User

Cool place I remember going to the first purple Turtle good then good Now.

User

Always been a place I used when I lived in Reading & I always continue to do every time I visit the town, it has amazing , friendly staff who is always on hand for any questions you may have, as well as great music playing all the time with all types of bands to keep the crowds entertained , I am in Reading this weekend with a friend from Telford & will be showing him the town & 100% will be in the premises tonight at some point. Very well done to all staff & Management keep up the great work you do..

User

good atmosphere, good music and great, efficient bar staff

User

So I came up from Brighton on Saturday and we decided to come here, the night was good, decent music, good bar staff, good mix of rooms etc. I was minding my own business dancing when I got shoulder checked from behind. Now obviously you get shoved about in bars but this seemed a bit much. I turned round and asked the guy why he shoved me and he told me to 'fuck off, so I responded with a 'fuck off' of my own. I was unaware he was a bouncer at the time, although it wouldn't have changed my mind in telling him to do one. Next thing I know is I have my hands behind my back being rushed out of the bar like I just pulled a gun out when a few of his bouncer mates join in on kicking me out. I found the whole thing pretty funny as I didn't do anything wrong, so was laughing whilst this was going on. Hopefully that pissed him off a bit more. This was until he started swearing and yelling at my girlfriend who was with me.



When I got outside I didn't even get the chance to ask why I had been kicked out as he had gone back inside, but one of his colleagues said I was being threatening! If he feels threatened by a 5ft5 guy dressed in a bow tie and braces with 'day of the dead' face paint dancing with my girlfriend, I suggest you get some bouncers that aren't massive pussies.



I don't know what he looked like but I'm told he had a proper shit man bun.

User

Bar lady with the short black hair is shockingly rude and someone actually got away with peeing on the floor nesr the ATM in the way to the garden, but other than that i like it :)

User

4 for a local music venue

4 for beer choice but you can still have trouble finding one for your personal taste

Too often a 0 for staff to visitor interaction and was on my last visit 20/12/17



Does that average out to 3/5? :?

User

Rip off! Was told I was unable to have a single vodka lime & soda in bigger glass (I wanted a drop more soda) I would have to pay for a double if I wanted a bigger glass! Unbelievable as most pubs soda is free! �

User

You should really have a word with your bar staff. The girl working at the bar upstairs on Friday was so unacceptably rude that I felt like I should spend my time and money somewhere where staff treat customers well.

User

We went in there earlier today and the bar had a couple adults drinking and a load of children running around and other sat eating subway from next door at the table. Went to order a drink for myself and partner, we both got ID as we ordered a beer. My partner had left her ID and got refused her drink (she is clearly mid/late 20s) but not a problem, they were just being safe for there licence. What was terrible was the children running around the bar with there parents drinking and no food being served in the establishment.... the bar staff were slightly rude and obviously more interested in the child clientele then us

User

We all was asked for ID and one of us was 40 and wouldn't let him in because he had no id what a joke

User

Want to get in to see the DJs who’ve prepared for this night and the bouncers don’t let you in at 1:28 when they have a “1:30am limit policy” if the audience is small, blame the bouncers

User

Tonite was good till the MANAGER knowly took my £4.85 pint them them being rudely talk to about if and after sayin and pointing out I just got the drink I was rude told to fuck off never in the 20years of going into that shit hole and wasting good money into that shit have I been talk to like that ur managers are wankers u have fucking con me out of£5 it mite only me 5 but hey it still more that u get a hour ur a rip off and ur managers are rude as fuck sort it out

User

Ordered gin and tonic. got gin and lemonade. Refused to swap it without paying for another drink. Horrible.

User

The only bar I ever go to when I'm in Reading. Used to go to the old PT back in the early 90s. Loved it then. The 'new' one (not really that new :D ) is great. Good music - a bit of something for everyone, friendly bar staff (well, they're always friendly to me. Treat them with respect. They work hard), good atmosphere, some good people and some banter. What's not to like? I wouldn't and won't go anywhere else. If I'm in Reading, you'll always find me sitting in the corner of the bar on a Friday. Don't be shy! Say hello. :) Great place.

User

Staff & security are pretty awesome. The music is decent too (Sunday is Reggae night :) ) I like how chilled out everything is here - no stress :)

User

Love it here! Managers are lovely and so are the staff (most of them not the tall punk looking guy he has a serious attitude)

Always start the night and normally end it here!

Bouncers look after you too �

User

Have played the venue with my band Who Killed Nancy Johnson? so speaking here from the performer side: it's great. Sound is good, there is a passing crowd who come in to check out the bands, and people there were helpful and professional. Only downside is parking is a bit difficult, although you can drive round the back for load in.

User

Great atmosphere- it's a young vibrant place but lots of people having been coming here for 10/15 years! Since the refurbishment a few years ago it's just got better and lost none of its inclusive charm. Good music, good drinks.

User

Debra looked after me and made me feel so welcome for the second time x

User

Cool place I remember going to the first purple Turtle good then good Now.

User

Always been a place I used when I lived in Reading & I always continue to do every time I visit the town, it has amazing , friendly staff who is always on hand for any questions you may have, as well as great music playing all the time with all types of bands to keep the crowds entertained , I am in Reading this weekend with a friend from Telford & will be showing him the town & 100% will be in the premises tonight at some point. Very well done to all staff & Management keep up the great work you do..

User

good atmosphere, good music and great, efficient bar staff

User

So I came up from Brighton on Saturday and we decided to come here, the night was good, decent music, good bar staff, good mix of rooms etc. I was minding my own business dancing when I got shoulder checked from behind. Now obviously you get shoved about in bars but this seemed a bit much. I turned round and asked the guy why he shoved me and he told me to 'fuck off, so I responded with a 'fuck off' of my own. I was unaware he was a bouncer at the time, although it wouldn't have changed my mind in telling him to do one. Next thing I know is I have my hands behind my back being rushed out of the bar like I just pulled a gun out when a few of his bouncer mates join in on kicking me out. I found the whole thing pretty funny as I didn't do anything wrong, so was laughing whilst this was going on. Hopefully that pissed him off a bit more. This was until he started swearing and yelling at my girlfriend who was with me.



When I got outside I didn't even get the chance to ask why I had been kicked out as he had gone back inside, but one of his colleagues said I was being threatening! If he feels threatened by a 5ft5 guy dressed in a bow tie and braces with 'day of the dead' face paint dancing with my girlfriend, I suggest you get some bouncers that aren't massive pussies.



I don't know what he looked like but I'm told he had a proper shit man bun.

User

Bar lady with the short black hair is shockingly rude and someone actually got away with peeing on the floor nesr the ATM in the way to the garden, but other than that i like it :)

User

4 for a local music venue

4 for beer choice but you can still have trouble finding one for your personal taste

Too often a 0 for staff to visitor interaction and was on my last visit 20/12/17



Does that average out to 3/5? :?

User

Rip off! Was told I was unable to have a single vodka lime & soda in bigger glass (I wanted a drop more soda) I would have to pay for a double if I wanted a bigger glass! Unbelievable as most pubs soda is free! �

User

You should really have a word with your bar staff. The girl working at the bar upstairs on Friday was so unacceptably rude that I felt like I should spend my time and money somewhere where staff treat customers well.

User

We went in there earlier today and the bar had a couple adults drinking and a load of children running around and other sat eating subway from next door at the table. Went to order a drink for myself and partner, we both got ID as we ordered a beer. My partner had left her ID and got refused her drink (she is clearly mid/late 20s) but not a problem, they were just being safe for there licence. What was terrible was the children running around the bar with there parents drinking and no food being served in the establishment.... the bar staff were slightly rude and obviously more interested in the child clientele then us

User

We all was asked for ID and one of us was 40 and wouldn't let him in because he had no id what a joke

User

Want to get in to see the DJs who’ve prepared for this night and the bouncers don’t let you in at 1:28 when they have a “1:30am limit policy” if the audience is small, blame the bouncers

User

Tonite was good till the MANAGER knowly took my £4.85 pint them them being rudely talk to about if and after sayin and pointing out I just got the drink I was rude told to fuck off never in the 20years of going into that shit hole and wasting good money into that shit have I been talk to like that ur managers are wankers u have fucking con me out of£5 it mite only me 5 but hey it still more that u get a hour ur a rip off and ur managers are rude as fuck sort it out

User

Ordered gin and tonic. got gin and lemonade. Refused to swap it without paying for another drink. Horrible.

User

The only bar I ever go to when I'm in Reading. Used to go to the old PT back in the early 90s. Loved it then. The 'new' one (not really that new :D ) is great. Good music - a bit of something for everyone, friendly bar staff (well, they're always friendly to me. Treat them with respect. They work hard), good atmosphere, some good people and some banter. What's not to like? I wouldn't and won't go anywhere else. If I'm in Reading, you'll always find me sitting in the corner of the bar on a Friday. Don't be shy! Say hello. :) Great place.

User

Staff & security are pretty awesome. The music is decent too (Sunday is Reggae night :) ) I like how chilled out everything is here - no stress :)

User

Love it here! Managers are lovely and so are the staff (most of them not the tall punk looking guy he has a serious attitude)

Always start the night and normally end it here!

Bouncers look after you too �

User

Have played the venue with my band Who Killed Nancy Johnson? so speaking here from the performer side: it's great. Sound is good, there is a passing crowd who come in to check out the bands, and people there were helpful and professional. Only downside is parking is a bit difficult, although you can drive round the back for load in.

User

Great atmosphere- it's a young vibrant place but lots of people having been coming here for 10/15 years! Since the refurbishment a few years ago it's just got better and lost none of its inclusive charm. Good music, good drinks.

User

Debra looked after me and made me feel so welcome for the second time x

User

Cool place I remember going to the first purple Turtle good then good Now.

User

Always been a place I used when I lived in Reading & I always continue to do every time I visit the town, it has amazing , friendly staff who is always on hand for any questions you may have, as well as great music playing all the time with all types of bands to keep the crowds entertained , I am in Reading this weekend with a friend from Telford & will be showing him the town & 100% will be in the premises tonight at some point. Very well done to all staff & Management keep up the great work you do..

User

good atmosphere, good music and great, efficient bar staff

User

So I came up from Brighton on Saturday and we decided to come here, the night was good, decent music, good bar staff, good mix of rooms etc. I was minding my own business dancing when I got shoulder checked from behind. Now obviously you get shoved about in bars but this seemed a bit much. I turned round and asked the guy why he shoved me and he told me to 'fuck off, so I responded with a 'fuck off' of my own. I was unaware he was a bouncer at the time, although it wouldn't have changed my mind in telling him to do one. Next thing I know is I have my hands behind my back being rushed out of the bar like I just pulled a gun out when a few of his bouncer mates join in on kicking me out. I found the whole thing pretty funny as I didn't do anything wrong, so was laughing whilst this was going on. Hopefully that pissed him off a bit more. This was until he started swearing and yelling at my girlfriend who was with me.



When I got outside I didn't even get the chance to ask why I had been kicked out as he had gone back inside, but one of his colleagues said I was being threatening! If he feels threatened by a 5ft5 guy dressed in a bow tie and braces with 'day of the dead' face paint dancing with my girlfriend, I suggest you get some bouncers that aren't massive pussies.



I don't know what he looked like but I'm told he had a proper shit man bun.

User

Bar lady with the short black hair is shockingly rude and someone actually got away with peeing on the floor nesr the ATM in the way to the garden, but other than that i like it :)

User

4 for a local music venue

4 for beer choice but you can still have trouble finding one for your personal taste

Too often a 0 for staff to visitor interaction and was on my last visit 20/12/17



Does that average out to 3/5? :?

User

Rip off! Was told I was unable to have a single vodka lime & soda in bigger glass (I wanted a drop more soda) I would have to pay for a double if I wanted a bigger glass! Unbelievable as most pubs soda is free! �

User

You should really have a word with your bar staff. The girl working at the bar upstairs on Friday was so unacceptably rude that I felt like I should spend my time and money somewhere where staff treat customers well.

User

We went in there earlier today and the bar had a couple adults drinking and a load of children running around and other sat eating subway from next door at the table. Went to order a drink for myself and partner, we both got ID as we ordered a beer. My partner had left her ID and got refused her drink (she is clearly mid/late 20s) but not a problem, they were just being safe for there licence. What was terrible was the children running around the bar with there parents drinking and no food being served in the establishment.... the bar staff were slightly rude and obviously more interested in the child clientele then us

User

We all was asked for ID and one of us was 40 and wouldn't let him in because he had no id what a joke

User

Want to get in to see the DJs who’ve prepared for this night and the bouncers don’t let you in at 1:28 when they have a “1:30am limit policy” if the audience is small, blame the bouncers

User

Tonite was good till the MANAGER knowly took my £4.85 pint them them being rudely talk to about if and after sayin and pointing out I just got the drink I was rude told to fuck off never in the 20years of going into that shit hole and wasting good money into that shit have I been talk to like that ur managers are wankers u have fucking con me out of£5 it mite only me 5 but hey it still more that u get a hour ur a rip off and ur managers are rude as fuck sort it out

User

Ordered gin and tonic. got gin and lemonade. Refused to swap it without paying for another drink. Horrible.

More about Purple Turtle

Purple Turtle is located at 9 Gun Street, RG1 2JR Reading, England
01189597196
Monday: 11:00 - 03:30
Tuesday: 11:00 - 03:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 03:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 03:00
Friday: 11:00 - 03:30
Saturday: 12:00 - 04:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 03:30
http://www.purpleturtlebar.com