A popular cricket-themed bar chain, Sixe, has gone into administration following a “challenging trading period”, according to administrators FRP Advisory. The company, which was backed by England cricket captain Ben Stokes, operates 15 venues across the UK, with one branch in Southampton having already closed as a result of the decision, leading to three staff members losing their jobs.
Administrators say talks are underway with “a number of interested parties” about a potential sale of the business and its strongest-performing sites, suggesting further closures could be on the cards. The priority, according to joint administrator Tony Wright, is to “secure the best outcome for the business” while honouring customer bookings “through the Christmas period and beyond”.
Launched in 2020, Sixe is part of a growing trend in the UK’s hospitality industry, combining cricket-themed entertainment with social experiences. The company is backed by 4Cast, an investment group founded by Stokes, current and former England bowlers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, and former player turned agent Mike Tindall.
FRP Advisory cited “fierce competition for experiential venues and reduced consumer spending due to economic uncertainty” as factors contributing to the chain’s struggles, with some locations performing strongly while others have “struggled”. The administrators remain optimistic about the brand’s potential, stating that with the “right investment and focus, Sixe can build on its core strengths”.
The hospitality industry has faced a challenging period in recent times, with concerns raised over higher costs, including business rates and minimum wage increases, which some argue could lead to job losses and business failures. Sixe’s administration serves as the latest example of the pressures facing the sector.
As the administrators work to find a buyer for the brand and its strongest sites, the future of Sixe remains uncertain. However, they are confident that with the right support, the company can overcome its current difficulties and continue to provide cricket-themed entertainment to customers across the UK.
