Daisy Lane Play Cafe in Newton Aycliffe to close its doors

Daisy Lane Play Cafe, based at the Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre on Burn Lane, will close for good on Wednesday, August 19.

Owner Emma announced the news in a social media post, saying the decision had been made with a “heavy heart”.

The café opened earlier this year, offering a place for children aged up to seven to play and take part in activities while parents and carers enjoyed coffee, food, and cakes.

It also ran stay and play sessions and birthday parties.

In a message to customers, Emma said: “I am writing this with a heavy heart.

“It’s not something I ever wanted to do, but Daisy Lane will be closing its doors for good next Wednesday, August 19.

“Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, it is not possible for us to continue trading.”

She thanked the families who had supported the business over its first few months, as well as relatives, friends, and staff who helped make the play café a reality.

Emma said: “I want to say a massive thank you for all the support I have had over the last few months.

“I could never have done this alone.

“A particularly big thank you to my family, my parents who have helped me massively both behind the scenes and front of house, my husband Adam who has helped and supported me the whole way through, and all our girls who have given their time to help and were so excited for our café.”

She also thanked her staff and the customers who visited Daisy Lane during its time in Newton Aycliffe.

She said: “A huge thank you to every single customer who has stepped through our doors.

“We have such amazing loyal customers and I’m going to miss you all.

“We’ve made so many friends, both big and little, and I can’t thank you all enough for being a part of Daisy Lane.”

Daisy Lane Play Cafe will be open as normal from Monday to Wednesday next week, with families invited to visit before it closes.

A toy and equipment sale is also planned for Friday, August 21, with further details expected to be announced.

Emma added: “It was always a dream of mine to open a play café and to have that dream realised has been an amazing and beautiful experience.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world and I hope we managed to bring you all a little bit of joy in the past few months.”