ONE of the first dessert bars in Blackburn is closing its doors at the end of next month.

Melt Dessert Bar in Blackburn will shut after five years of serving sweet treats to customers.

Ran by Yusuf Lambat, and his wife Fatima, the Plane Street bar serves a variety of ice creams, waffles, crepes, churros, Dutch pancakes and puddings.

It opened in 2014 after the couple moved their business from Subzero bar in Whalley Old Road.

Mr Lambat, 40, who announced the decision exactly five years since opening the restaurant, said his decision to close was to explore new business opportunities and try new things.

He said: “I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all my customers over the last six years, including the customers from Subzero.

“The reason we are closing is we want to do something new, we want to bring a fresh idea to Blackburn.

“It has been a pleasure serving you all and we have really appreciated your custom.

“By the end of April, before Ramadan, we will be closing.

“I guess you could say it's a tough market out there for retail food outlets.”

Other dessert bars in the town include Heavenly Desserts in Sudell Cross and Marhaba Ice-Cream Bar in Victoria Street.

Mr Lambat, from the town, said the bar had held a variety of community events, including a Blackburn Bake Off, ‘man versus dessert’ challenges and worked with schools and homeless people.

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Earlier this month Mr Lambat created a four-tiered mint custard chocolate brownie pancake dish for Shrove Tuesday.

Mr Lambat said: “Its been a pleasure knowing you all and wish you all a bless safe life. Remember us in your humble prayers.”

The father said he wants to look into another retail or wholesale business.