The Purple Turtle in Long Street

• • 15 Comments

The Purple Turtle in Cape Town
The Purple Turtle is the building on the right - naturally. :) The bar was extremely popular about 10 years ago, and while I never actually visited I know plenty of people who were absolute regulars.

While the venue still seems very popular, I can't say that I know anyone who still goes there. I've since read reports on the web of how The Purple Turtle has lost its character, and even of how patrons have started feeling unsafe.

Have you visited The Purple Turtle recently? Do you love it? Hate it? Please leave a comment to tell us why it's awesome - or why it's not so awesome.

15 thoughts on “The Purple Turtle in Long Street”

  1. Jonathan Carter

    I’ve never been there either but have always wondered what it was like there. When I was in high school (1996-2000), it was always the cool people that went there, and after high school when I listened to the Barney Simon show on 5fm he used to mention it a lot as well so I’ve wanted to go there plenty of times, but in my early 20’s I didn’t have a drivers license yet and it’s a bit far out from the northern suburbs so I never got the chance. I was surprised to see that they’re still open when I walked past there in 2010 and also wondered if I should go some time.

  2. Lucia Giesler

    Hey Jonathan, the PT is opening under new management and you should eventually pay the spot a visit! Now is better than ever before…

  5. Barbara

    HI

    I would like to inquire about performing at your venue…My colleague and I have formed a group called Bi La and are currently working on our show “Music Mosaic” which we are performing at Aan De Braak, Stellenbosch from 9-13 Oct.

    Bi La on Facebook:www.Facebook.com/BiLaEntertainers.

    We would like to know what are the requirements of performing at your venue??

  6. Paul

    Post author

    Hi Barbara,

    While it would be fun to own the Purple Turtle, Cape Town Daily Photo unfortunately does not. :)

    I’d love to give you an email address, or a website reference, for the Purple Turtle, but as I recall (from when I wrote this article) they have no website. Or, well, not one that I could track down! Isn’t that strange?

    Good luck on your quest!

    Regards
    Paul.

  7. Christel Pretorius

    I saw the Purple Tutrle when I was in Cape Town over the weekend. It looks stunning from the outside and like a place with alot of character. But I can’t really seem to find much information about the Purple Turtle on the internet. I would just like to know is it an accomodation place and if so what is their rates?? :)

  8. Paul

    Post author

    Christel, you and me both – there’s precious little info about the Purple Turtle on the Web – and I have done some digging! I really don’t know if they have accommodation – I know that there’s an hotel in the building, and that guests sometimes complain about the noise at night… well, those not making the noise do, at least. :)

  14. Brent

    I remember when this place was all goth metal and industrial…good times was had pretty much every weekend.

    I wouldn’t be caught dead there now…most likely that it’s so unsafe in around the area

  15. Ian Yallop

    good morning I am wondering if anyone can help me, I’m trying to find out if someone worked at this venue, his name is Donovan Brown, he apparently worked there as a manager I’m not to sure what year, I think round about 10/15 years ago. can anyone help me my contact is 0728152829

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