A chain of activity bars has gone under, after facing challenges in the UK market.
Sixes, the cricket-based entertainment bar, has announced that it would be going into administration, beginning with the closure of its Southampton location.
The chain, which is supported by England Cricket captain Ben Stokes, runs 16 branches across the country.
The bar has six London locations: its flagship venue in Fitzrovia, as well as bars in London Bridge, Fulham, Stratford, Shepherd’s Bush, and Wembley.
But there may still be hope for a rescue deal, as administrators have said that other branches will stay open whilst negotiations are underway.
Sixes, which was founded in 2020 by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, reportedly has “a number of interested parties about a sale”.
The chain secured funding in 2023 from the investment group known as 4Cast, which includes Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Stuart Broad.
Tony Wright, joint administrator and partner at FRP, told the Independent: “Sixes has built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers.
He acknowledged that some locations “struggled in an increasingly competitive market” but maintained that the company has “significant potential”.
He hinted that there have been promising signs of early interest in parties keen on acquiring the brand, especially its “strongest-performing sites”.
The focus for the business in the busy run-up to Christmas is to ensure customers can still enjoy their bookings, whilst negotiations to secure the best deal for the business and its stakeholders is underway.
These conversations are being mediated by FRP Advisory.
He added: “We’re confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths.”
