The Purple Turtle

You'll find this iconic venue tucked away on Gun Street, just a stone's throw from the Oracle. The Purple Turtle has been Reading's go-to spot for live music and proper rock vibes since the '90s, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The basement venue hosts everything from emerging local bands to touring acts, while upstairs you've got a proper bar with decent drinks and that unmistakable sticky-floored, gig-poster-covered atmosphere that only comes from years of hosting brilliant nights. The crowd here is a brilliant mix of students, local music lovers, and anyone who appreciates a venue that actually cares about its music programming. Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges, but that's exactly the point – this isn't some sanitised chain bar. It's the real deal, and Reading would be significantly duller without it.