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The cricket-themed social venue chain Sixes, which has backing from England captain Ben Stokes, has entered administration after experiencing a difficult trading period. Despite this, all 15 of the company’s UK venues remain operational, except for one branch in Southampton that has closed, resulting in three employees losing their positions. Administrators from FRP Advisory have indicated ongoing discussions with several interested parties about a potential sale of the company along with its best-performing sites, which may lead to further closures.
Founded in 2020, Sixes offers a unique blend of hospitality and cricket-themed entertainment, where patrons engage in games facing bowling machines to rack up runs. This concept places it alongside competitors such as Flight Club and Boom Battle Bar. The investment group 4Cast—which includes Ben Stokes as well as current and former England cricketers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, along with former player and agent Mike Turns—partially backs the chain. Sixes was placed into administration shortly before England’s loss in the third Ashes test against Australia in Adelaide. The exact size of 4Cast’s stake, which provided additional funding in 2023, has not been disclosed.
According to FRP Advisory, the chain has a number of well-performing sites, but others have struggled amid fierce competition in the experiential entertainment sector and declining consumer spending due to economic uncertainties. While the Southampton location has shut down, the remaining venues and franchises are set to stay open, with all bookings being honored throughout the holiday season. Administrators have assured customers that they will continue to fulfill existing reservations during this period.
Administration’s primary goal is to try to rescue the business by addressing its financial difficulties. When companies face losses and find borrowing insufficient to cover debts, administrators can be appointed to take control and restructure finances. If saving the company proves impossible, assets may be sold off to repay creditors in a process known as liquidation. The hospitality sector has recently voiced concerns over rising operational costs such as business rates and minimum wage increases, warning that these pressures could result in job cuts and closures. Tony Wright, joint administrator, emphasized that Sixes has established a strong brand in social entertainment with venues that have resonated well with customers. He remains positive about the chain’s future prospects, stating: “We’re confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths.
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