Entertainment venue chain with 16 outlets falls into administration &#8211; full list

Bosses said it has been hit by “challenging” recent trading with one outlet closing immediately

Sixes, a chain of cricket-themed entertainment venues backed by Ben Stokes, has gone into administration. The company, which operates 16 such venues across England, announced it has entered administration due to recent “challenging” trading conditions.

As an immediate consequence, its Southampton site will be closed down. However, administrators have confirmed that all other venues will remain open as they explore potential rescue deals and honour future bookings.

FRP Advisory, the administrators appointed on Wednesday to oversee the process, are currently in discussions with “a number of interested parties about a sale”.

Founded in 2020 by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, Sixes also runs a venue in the West Indies.

In 2023, the business secured funding from 4Cast Investment Group, which includes England internationals Stokes, Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad.

It is among chains that have expanded in recent years as part of a surge in so-called competitive socialising, competing with brands like Flight Club and Junkyard Golf.

While the group has a core of strongly performing sites, it has seen others struggle due to intense competition and “reduced consumer spending”.

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.

“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.”