Darlington play cafe to close for good next week after three years in business
Aimee and Richard Bland announced in early November that they would be closing Curiositeas' Play Café in the Queen Street Shopping Centre, adding it was a decision not made lightly.
Former mental health nurse Aimee and army veteran Richard opened the business in 2022, which combines a café for parents and a play area for little ones, but have over the past year struggled with the rising cost of bills, rent and food.
Inside the cafe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Announcing the closure, the pair did not confirm their final day, but according to their website, the doors will close on December 19.
In a statement previously posted on Facebook, they wrote: "We have met some amazing people, and we are so grateful to all of you for helping us achieve a dream. We have memories that really will last a lifetime.
"In the last three years, we have worked the hardest we ever have. We’ve learnt a lot, made a million mistakes, but one thing that has stuck out to us the most is that time really does go so quickly.
"And while we have loved it, especially the community feel, we have missed out on a lot as a family ourselves, and as you only get one shot at this life, we have decided it is time to move on with ours.
"We are looking forward to the future, seeing what lies ahead for us, and making time for ourselves and our family going forward."
They added: "While this will be very sad news to many of you, we hope you will understand our decision - one which we certainly haven’t made lightly.
"We would really like to see as many of you as we can in the coming weeks, so we can add more memories to the 'Curiositeas' memory box.
"Please come and see us and make the most of our lovely play café before it’s no more."
Customers expressed their support for the pair, adding they will be "missed so much".
One social media user wrote: "Oh no, this is so sad to hear but totally understand. You’ve poured your heart and soul into what is a fabulous place and we will miss you both dearly."
Their announcement came after they said they almost made the "soul destroying" choice to walk away in October last year, but felt "the people of Darlington don't want us to close".
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