Sixes Cricket Club, a unique blend of immersive cricket experiences and Great British BBQ cuisine, has taken the UK by storm. With clubhouses already established in Fulham, Fitzrovia, and Manchester, the innovative Sixes Social Cricket concept is expanding its footprint across the country.

From complete beginners to seasoned pros, Sixes welcomes all ages and skill levels. The experience is powered by cutting-edge Batfast technology, allowing players to face a variety of bowling styles, including fast and spin, as they compete for high scores on a global leaderboard. The menu offers a taste of classic British BBQ, paired with craft beers and signature cocktails, creating a vibrant social atmosphere.

STOKES, BROAD STAR INVESTORS

Adding to the buzz, cricket legends Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad have joined forces with the 4CAST Investment Group, which also includes Jofra Archer, KL Rahul, and Jason Roy, to invest in Sixes Social Cricket. Their support aligns with Sixes’ mission to make cricket accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with ambitious plans for international expansion, including the United States.

Sixes was co-founded by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, the creative minds behind the Scottish restaurant and butcher chain Mac & Wild. The first Sixes location launched in Fulham in December 2020, with a focus on combining food, drink, and cricket in a way that resonates with both fans and newcomers.

“More people now play cricket at Sixes in the UK than actually play the sport itself,” Mackinnon stated, highlighting the rapid growth of the brand. Four years since its inception, Sixes boasts 18 locations across the UK, with plans to add another 20-30 venues domestically and expand into the Caribbean and the US. The company has received approximately 1,500 franchise requests, primarily from the US, demonstrating the appeal of its “competitive socialising” concept.

REDEFINING SOCIALISING

Sixes is part of a broader trend in the UK’s entertainment scene, where traditional sports are reimagined for a social setting. This movement began with ventures like bowling and cocktails at All Star Lanes in 2006, followed by table tennis at Bounce, darts at Flight Club, mini-golf at Puttshack, and F1 Arcade. Sixes adds cricket to this lineup, offering a high-tech, fun-filled environment for players to enjoy.

The immersive experience places players in a netted “cage” where they face a virtual bowler on-screen. The balls, designed to be safe and user-friendly, mimic real cricket deliveries with options for spin and seam. Players score runs by hitting targets around the cage, choosing from three game modes, including a Hundred version developed in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board. Six difficulty levels ensure that the experience caters to all abilities, from casual participants to seasoned players.

WINNING OVER NEW AUDIENCE

With a customer base that’s 54% in their 20s and 35% female, Sixes is appealing to a demographic that traditional cricket has struggled to engage. Co-founder Mackinnon, a cricket convert himself, believes in the potential of Sixes to bridge the gap between socialising and sport. “We’re two Scots who never played or watched cricket in our lives,” he said. “Now we’re huge fans, attending matches and truly appreciating the game.”

As Sixes continues to grow, its fusion of cricket, cuisine, and camaraderie is redefining how people experience the sport, bringing a fresh energy to the cricketing world and beyond.