Sixes Cricket Bar, the popular chain that has become synonymous with cricket-themed socializing in England, has entered administration, casting a shadow over the future of its 16 venues and the staff and customers who have come to love its unique blend of entertainment and hospitality. The news broke on December 20, 2025, with administrators from FRP Advisory stepping in after what was described as a "challenging trading period" for the company. The chain, which is backed by several English cricket stars including Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Stuart Broad, has quickly become a focal point for concerns about the broader health of the UK hospitality sector.
Launched in 2020 by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, Sixes Cricket Bar rode the wave of "competitive socialising," offering patrons the chance to face bowling machines and score runs in a lively, cricket-themed environment. The concept proved instantly popular, with venues springing up in cities including Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, London, Manchester, Oxford, Romford, Shepherd's Bush, Stratford, Sussex, Watford, and Wembley. According to BBC, Sixes was able to attract investment from 4Cast, an investment group founded by Stokes and fellow England internationals, which injected fresh cash into the business in 2023.
Despite its promising start and the backing of cricketing heroes, the chain has not been immune to the economic headwinds battering the hospitality industry. As reported by BBC and other outlets, the company cited "fierce competition for experiential venues and reduced consumer spending due to economic uncertainty" as key factors in its struggles. Rising business rates, increased minimum wages, and the general instability of the market have left many venues fighting to stay afloat. One industry representative put it bluntly: "The situation looks quite alarming."
On December 17, 2025, FRP Advisory was called in as administrators. Their immediate action was to close the Southampton venue, resulting in the loss of three jobs. While this was the only closure announced at first, the administrators made it clear that other locations could also be at risk as they assess the viability of each site. The remaining 15 venues across England have, for now, been kept open, with a promise that all bookings—especially those over the busy Christmas period—will be honored.
"Our priority is to secure the best outcome for the business while keeping doors open for customers through the festive period and beyond," said Tony Wright, joint administrator at FRP Advisory, in comments reported by The Sun and BBC. He went on to express optimism about the brand's future, noting, "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." Wright also emphasized, "We're confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths."
Sixes' model—combining cricket, food, and drink—has seen it compete with other social entertainment venues such as Flight Club and Junkyard Golf. Its venues have become gathering spots for fans and friends alike, offering a novel twist on the traditional pub experience. But, as the administrators pointed out, even a strong brand and loyal customer base are no guarantee of survival in the current climate. According to BBC, "while the business had a core of strongly performing sites, others have struggled," a reality that has forced the company to consider closing more venues if a buyer cannot be found.
The administration process itself is designed to give struggling businesses a chance to restructure and, if possible, avoid liquidation. As BBC explains, when a business can’t pay its debts or borrow more cash, administrators are brought in to take over from management, attempting to sort out the finances and either save the company or, if that’s not possible, sell off assets to repay creditors. In the case of Sixes, FRP Advisory is actively engaged in talks with "a number of interested parties" about a potential sale of the business and its best-performing venues.
The uncertainty surrounding Sixes has sent ripples through the hospitality industry, which has already been raising alarm bells about the impact of rising costs. Business rates and minimum wage hikes have squeezed margins, while economic instability has led to reduced consumer spending. Many in the industry are worried that Sixes' predicament is just the tip of the iceberg, with other enterprises potentially facing similar challenges in the months ahead.
For now, fans of Sixes can still visit their favorite venues, with the company assuring customers that all bookings will be honored. The list of at-risk locations is long and includes high-profile sites in major cities and shopping centers across England. The administrators have not ruled out further closures but are hopeful that a buyer will step in to preserve as much of the chain as possible.
Sixes' story is emblematic of the broader shifts in consumer habits and the challenges facing hospitality businesses in the UK. The rise of experiential venues has transformed the way people socialize, but it has also created a fiercely competitive market where only the strongest survive. As The Sun noted, "despite a core of strong-performing sites, others have struggled amid fierce competition and squeezed consumer spending."
As the holiday season approaches, the fate of Sixes remains uncertain. Staff, customers, and investors alike are watching closely, hoping that the brand’s unique blend of sport and hospitality can weather the storm. The coming weeks will be critical, as FRP Advisory works to secure a deal that could keep the cricket-themed fun alive for years to come.
The collapse of Sixes Cricket Bar stands as a cautionary tale for the hospitality sector, highlighting the precarious balance between innovation, competition, and economic reality. Whether the chain can emerge from administration stronger or will become another casualty of a turbulent market remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will be closely watched by an industry in flux.
