A prominent UK bar chain with backing from England cricket stars has collapsed into administration, placing all 16 of its venues in jeopardy. Sixes, which operates cricket-themed social entertainment sites across the country, appointed administrators on Friday, 19 December 2025.
What Happened to the Sixes Chain?
The hospitality group confirmed it had entered administration following a period of "challenging" trading conditions. While the business boasts a core of profitable locations, it stated that others have struggled amid fierce competition and a notable drop in consumer spending. As an immediate consequence, its Southampton venue has been shut down.
All other sites, however, will continue to operate for the time being. The administrators have pledged to honour existing customer bookings while they explore options for a potential rescue deal that could save the brand and its best-performing outlets.
Administrators Seek Buyer for Brand
Tony Wright, joint administrator and partner at FRP, highlighted the chain's potential despite its current troubles. "Sixes has built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers," he said.
"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 added.
The administrators' primary focus is securing a future for the business and ensuring customers can continue to enjoy their bookings through the crucial Christmas period and beyond.
Birmingham Venue Remains Open For Now
One of the at-risk venues is located at the Mailbox complex in Birmingham city centre. This site places Sixes in direct competition with other activity-based bars in the area, such as Flight Club (darts) and Golf Fang.
Bosses have confirmed to local media that the Birmingham branch will continue trading as usual while the administration process unfolds. The Mailbox is also home to a variety of other popular brands, including:
- Everyman Cinema
- Nando's
- Zizzi
- Black Sheep Coffee
The collapse of Sixes underscores the ongoing pressures within the UK's competitive hospitality and leisure sector, where even novel concepts backed by high-profile sports stars are not immune to market headwinds.
