Iconic music venue ceases trading in Bath

A long-established Bath nightclub ceased trading on Monday (4th December), and Begbies Traynor was engaged on Monday 11 December 2023 to assist with the liquidation of the business, which has seen all 26 members of staff being made redundant.

Having opened its doors in 1978, Moles has become an iconic grassroots music venue in the city as host to the early gigs of some of the UK’s biggest bands and artists, including Blur, Oasis, The Cure, Ed Sheeran, Radiohead, Tears for Fears and Massive Attack.

Creditors of George Street (Bath) Limited, which traded as Moles, will be formally notified of the planned liquidation in the coming days following Begbies Traynor’s appointment.

Neil Vinnicombe, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “Undoubtedly these are difficult times for businesses in the hospitality sector and smaller venues like Moles have struggled post-pandemic, which has been further exacerbated by the increasing costs of running a business.”

Commenting on the closure, Tom Maddicott, co-owner of Moles, said:

This was an horrendous decision to have to make, but the sad reality is that with our huge overheads grassroots music venues like Moles just aren’t economically viable unless you own the building. We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years, and we are sad to see the legacy end like this. Hopefully someone will keep it alive.”

Any expressions of interest in the club or its assets should be directed to bath@btguk.com.