INDIE SPECIAL
INDIES’ FAVOURITE INDIES
LIKE RIDING A BIKE Townsends Light Blue Cycle Centre (left, below) is a Cambridge staple and has catered to the community’s cycling needs since 1895
“One of our favourite local independents is Mackay’s, the ironmongers – a family
company that’s passionate about customer service and has strong roots in the community.” Lloyd Townsend, Townsends Light Blue Cycle Centre
about authenticity, passion and a genuine commitment to supporting one another,” she says. One business that knows its community inside out is Townsends Light Blue Cycle Centre. With 130 years of trading under its saddlebags, few in Cambridge can match its longevity. Originally founded on Norfolk Street in 1895 by John Albert Townsend, who manufactured and sold The Light Blue brand of bicycles in the city, the business later moved to Burleigh Street before eventually settling at the original Ison’s Cycles shop located on Chesterton Road, where it has stayed ever since. Lloyd Townsend, the great-grandson of its founder, is the current owner. “I grew up within the family business and have always enjoyed cycling and helping people get the most from their bikes. Townsends has a unique place in Cambridge’s cycling history, and the opportunity to be part of
a business that has served local cyclists for generations was something that really appealed to me,” he reflects. The business has evolved and diversified over the years in line with developments in technology, design and lifestyle, and it now offers a wide range of bicycles, e-bikes, children’s bikes, accessories, clothing, parts and nutrition products, as well as advice, servicing and repairs in its fully equipped workshop. “Cycling is at the heart of Cambridge – and we love being part of that culture. Being the oldest surviving cycle shop in Cambridge and still serving customers across generations is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s particularly rewarding when customers who bought bikes from us years ago return with their children or grandchildren,” says Lloyd. “The support of our loyal customers and being part of the local community makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
“Goldrush Vintage, Modish and I have to mention Ark: owner Jane has remained completely true to her vision and that deserves
enormous respect.” Wendy Smalley, 40 Green Street
“Fitzbillies – we sell their delicious croissants, pains au chocolat and fruit scones.”
Win an indie bundle!
Krystyna Szypryt, Cafe au Chocolat
Some of our favourite independents have come together to offer this fantastic prize bundle for one lucky competition winner:
• £30 gift voucher for 40 Green Street
• Townsends Light Blue branded cap, water bottle and T-shirt worth £40
• A one-on-one styling appointment at IOLLA’s Cambridge showroom, plus a pair of single-vision/non-prescription blue-light filter glasses worth up to £85 and a pair of single-vision/non-prescription sunglasses worth up to £105.
“Bird & Blend Tea Co – their tea mixologists bring brilliant energy to Green Street, and their creative blends are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up for our team!” Indu Jose, IOLLA
This competition closes on 23 July 2026, so head over to cambsedition.co.uk/ competition now to find full T&Cs and to enter!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JULY 2026 13
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