Bar chain backed by England cricket captain Ben Stokes plunged into administration leaving all venues in danger
A cricket bar chain backed by England captain Ben Stokes has been plunged into administration following a period of ‘challenging’ trading.
Sixes Cricket, which operates 17 branches and is also supported by former England international Stuart Broad, has appointed administrators amid falling consumer spending.
The venues, which serve food and drinks alongside technology-led indoor cricket nets with computerised bowlers, are all at risk of closure.
The firm on Friday confirmed the closure of its Southampton bar and admitted that while it has a ‘a core of strongly performing sites, others have struggled’.
The business has been ‘unable to achieve a sustainable operating model’ because of competition and reduced consumer spending as a result of economic uncertainty.
Administrators have said other sites will remain open while negotiations for a rescue deal take place.
FRP Advisory was appointed on Wednesday and is holding discussions with ‘a number of interested parties about a sale’.
The chain was founded in 2020 by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh and also operates a site in the West Indies.
Sixes Cricket, which operates 17 bars, has appointed administrators amid falling consumer spending
4Cast Investment Group, which includes Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, invested in the chain in 2023
It received funding from 4Cast Investment Group which includes Stokes, Jofra Archer and Broad in 2023.
The cricket chain is part of a wider group of bars, including Flight Club and Junkyard Golf, which have grown as ‘competitive socialising’ becomes increasingly popular.
Tony Wright, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, told the Independent: ‘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.’
