Cricket‑themed restaurant and bar chain Sixes has appointed administrators after what has been described as a difficult trading spell, placing the future of the Ben Stokes‑backed business in doubt.

All 15 of the group’s UK venues are continuing to trade, with customer bookings being fulfilled while an attempt is made to secure a buyer.

One site, in Southampton, has shut following the move into administration, with a number of redundancies.

Advisory firm FRP has been appointed to handle the process and said it is in discussions with several parties over a possible acquisition of the brand and a selection of its better‑performing locations.

Tony Wright, joint administrator at FRP, said a number of sites had been hit by mounting competition.

Wright 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," he added.

"We're confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths."

Sixes was launched in 2020 by founders Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh and combines food and drink with cricket batting nets and technology‑driven gameplay.

Alongside its UK estate, the company operates a site in the West Indies.

Wright said: “Sixes has built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers.

“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.”

In 2023, the group received investment from 4Cast, an investment vehicle established by England Test captain Ben Stokes alongside current and former England fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad.