What next for nightlife on Bath Street as landmark bar closes due to declining footfall?

The Moskito name has been a part of the city’s night time economy for 20 years. The closure is a similar tale that has been seen across the city in recent years, falling footfall and government changes pushing businesses to the brink.

Bath Street has in the last half decade or so undergone a tumultuous time of it. The proposed £30 million hotel on its corner West Nile Street saw the closure of the Iron Horse - one of the city’s best loved pubs - ahead of its demolition. Six years later and the empty pub still stands with no sign of any further developments.

Moskito itself has been a player in the area's struggles. It closed its doors for the first time in 2018 and was expected to re-open within the year. COVID put paid to that, it eventually did re-open with a bold new look in 2021. Millions had been spent bringing the bar up to scratch.

Now, the bar will close its doors ‘after five unforgettable years’. The team shared the news of the closure on social media, saying it had taken the difficult decision to close.

The post read: “After five unforgettable years, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Moskito Glasgow will be closing its doors.

“Over the years, we have had the privilege of creating so many special moments with you, from endless brunches and unforgettable DJ events, to hosting some of the most beautiful celebrations, functions and milestones in your lives. Being part of this city and part of your memories has meant more to us than words can truly express.

“To every single guest who chose to spend time with us, whether for a cocktail after work, a weekend brunch, a celebration with loved ones, or simply a night to remember, thank you. Your support, loyalty and continued presence have been the heart of everything we have done.

“To our incredible team, past and present, thank you for your dedication, energy and commitment throughout this journey. Your passion and hard work helped shape Moskito into the venue it became, and we are immensely proud of what we built together.”

Like many they have now taken the decision to step away from a sector that is under immense pressure, with little in the way of relief on the horizon.

The statement read: “Moskito has been proud to be part of Glasgow’s hospitality scene, and it is not easy for us to say goodbye.

“With recent government changes coming into effect, alongside the continued decline in city centre footfall, we have made the difficult decision to close.”

In November, Glasgow City Council released figures that despite predictions of gloom, the city had saw above trend increases of footfall in the food and drink sector. Between August 2024 and August 2025, there was an increase of 18.2% for the sector - the UK figure saw a decrease of 2.2 per cent.

The figures were hailed as ‘tremendously encouraging’ by council officials.

The worry now for Glasgow city centre is despite this positivity, how many bars, pubs and restuarants could follow Moskito with inflation pressures and changes in the way people socialise creating mounting pressure.

The statement from Moskito concluded saying: “Glasgow, you have given us more than we could ever have asked for, and for that we will always be grateful.”