The owners of a popular café and play area in Colne have said they cannot sustain the business while also supporting their family.
Nicole Sharples and Matt Oliver, who own Crumb & Play on Keighley Road, said the decision followed difficult conversations, stress and tears in recent months.
Opening in 2025 at the site of the old Zebra’s nightclub, the café included a children’s role‑play village and was used for baby and toddler classes and parents’ groups.
Nicole and Matt said in a Facebook post: “After a great deal of thought over the past few months, along with many difficult conversations, stress and tears, we have made the incredibly hard decision to close Crumb & Play Colne.
“This is not a decision we have come to lightly, and we are truly heartbroken to be sharing this news. We never imagined things would end this abruptly, and for that, we are deeply sorry.
“Crumb & Play was our first baby. We have poured our hearts and souls into bringing it to life, and along the way we’ve learnt so much — from making coffee to navigating the world of business and everything in between.
“Unfortunately, despite everything we’ve given and the challenges we’ve worked hard to overcome, we’ve reached a point where we simply cannot continue to sustain the business while also looking after our family.”
They thanked their regulars and said they would miss the chats, laughter and tears shared with their customers.
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The statement added: “What we created with Crumb & Play was so much more than a business — it was a community. A space filled with smiles, laughter and truly special moments that we will never forget.
“To every single person who walked through our doors, supported us, recommended us or cheered us on, thank you so, so much. Your support has meant everything to us, and we will always be grateful.
“A special thank you to our regulars — those we saw day in and day out. Watching your little ones grow, from pregnancy through to their early years, has been such a privilege. The chats we shared, full of laughter and sometimes tears, are moments we will deeply miss.
“And to our incredible team and everyone who became part of our Crumb & Play family, you have made this journey what it was. We couldn’t have done it without you.
“This is goodbye for now… but hopefully not forever. We will always hold onto the hope that one day we might return.”
The café added that they would be selling toys from the business on its Facebook page.
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