Sixes, a cricket-themed competitive socialising brand, has entered administration.
On 17 December, the concept bar chain appointed Tony Wright and Alastair Massey, partners at FRP Advisory, as joint administrators.
FRP continues to operate the business during administration and is already in discussions with multiple parties over a possible sale.
Sixes will keep 16 of its 17 venues open across England and the West Indies, honouring all bookings and operating through the festive season.
However, the Sixes venue in Southampton will close with immediate effect. Affected employees will be supported in making claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.
According to FRP, the administration follows a “challenging trading period.” Although several Sixes sites perform strongly, others have struggled, and the business has been unable to achieve a sustainable operating model in the face of intense competition and economic uncertainty affecting consumer spending.
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 founded in 2020 by Mac & Wild restaurant group founders Andy Waugh and Calum Mackinnon, with investment from England cricketers Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, and Jofra Archer.
Sixes offers a cricket simulator with drinks and gastropub-style food, including sausage rolls and lemon-fried chicken with Kyiv butter dip.
Waugh and Mackinnon launched Mac & Wild in London in 2015 and later opened the VR hunting bar Smoky Barrels.
The duo are also behind Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild food hall, featuring a restaurant by MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean.