Sixes Cricket Club, a chain of cricket-themed entertainment venues backed by England cricketer Ben Stokes, has entered administration. The company, which operates 16 sites across England including one in Manchester, appointed administrators from FRP Advisory on Wednesday.
The hospitality business has announced the immediate closure of its Southampton venue due to challenging recent trading conditions. However, administrators confirmed that all other sites will continue to operate while they seek a potential rescue deal, and future bookings will be honoured.
Tony Wright, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: “Sixes has built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers. While some locations have struggled in an increasingly competitive market, the business has significant potential, and we’re encouraged by the early interest we’ve received from parties interested in acquiring the brand and its strongest-performing sites.”
Sixes was founded in 2020 by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, and also runs a venue in the West Indies. In 2023, the business secured funding from 4Cast Investment Group, which includes England internationals Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad. The chain is among those that grew during a boom in competitive socialising, competing with brands like Flight Club and Junkyard Golf.
The group said it has a core of strongly performing sites but has seen others struggle due to fierce competition and reduced consumer spending. Administrators are in talks with several interested parties about a sale, aiming to secure the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders.
