Cricket bar concept Sixes appoints administrators as Southampton site closes

Cricket-themed competitive socialising brand Sixes has entered administration.

The concept bar chain appointed Tony Wright and Alastair Massey, partners at FRP Advisory, as joint administrators on 17 December.

FRP is continuing to trade the business through the administration and are already in discussions with a number of interested parties about a sale.

All but one of Sixes 17 venues across England and the West Indies will remain open, with the business honouring all bookings and continuing to serve customers through the festive season.

However, Sixes in Southampton will close with immediate effect. Affected employees will be supported with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.

The administration follows a “challenging trading period”, with FRP stating that while Sixes has a core of strongly performing sites, others have struggled, and the business has been unable to achieve a sustainable operating model amid fierce competition for experiential venues and reduced consumer spending due to economic uncertainty.

Wright 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.

“Our priority is to secure the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders while ensuring customers can continue to enjoy their bookings through the Christmas period and beyond. We’re confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths.”

Sixes was established in 2020 by Mac & Wild restaurant group founders Andy Waugh and Calum Mackinnon with investment from the likes of England cricketers Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer.

The chain offers a cricket simulator, styled as batting nets, alongside drinks and gastropub-inspired food such as sausage rolls and lemon-fried chicken with Kyiv butter dip.

Waugh and Mackinnon opened game-focused restaurant Mac & Wild in London in 2015 and have since launched virtual reality hunting bar Smoky Barrels.

The pair are also behind Edinburgh food hall Bonnie & Wild, which features a restaurant from MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean.

Sixes has been approached for comment.