Stephen Hawking was said to have shopped here; the store plans to relocate in 2026
04:16, 20 Nov 2025Updated 12:14, 20 Nov 2025
Neil Mackay from Mackays on East Road in Cambridge(Image: Cambridge News)
A long-standing Cambridge business that’s served Nobel Prize winners is set to leave its city centre location after more than a hundred years. In 2023, the directors at Mackays of Cambridge chose to sell their East Road premises, where they’ve been since 1912.
After looking around for a few years, they found a new spot on Nuffield Road and expect to reopen there early next year, around January or February 2026.
Owner and manager Neil Mackay explained that moving is due to “a number of reasons.” He said: “Cambridge city is becoming an increasingly difficult place to be a retailer.
“It’s getting tougher for vehicles to get into the city. Our business sells fairly heavy stuff like power tools – things people usually need a car or van for either picking up or delivery.”
Since opening back in 1912, Mackays has catered for scientists who later won Nobel Prizes. One famous customer was Stephen Hawking, who “loved to buy fireworks”, according to Neil.
British tech entrepreneur and ex-Cambridge graduate Mike Lynch, who died last year in a yacht accident, also used to shop at Mackays. At the Cambridge News’s 125th anniversary event, Neil recalled something Mr Lynch once said.
Neil shared: “He said he was glad businesses like Mackays were recognised as ‘without businesses like Mackays, Cambridge wouldn’t exist’. It’ll be a sad day when we leave East Road,” Neil added. “We’ve become part of the furniture [in East Road].
“People come specially just for us. We’re problem solvers. When folks have an issue, we find them an answer.”
The new location on Nuffield Road seemed “convenient,” Neil mentioned. He added ,“ We want to stay in the city since loads of loyal customers have been with us for years.
“Cambridge really feels part of who we are. The new site seemed well placed and easy enough for people gettin’ here.”
Along with it , Mackays will bring over its materials warehouse which is pretty popular. Neil explained : “ We’ll have a small workshop where folks can weld and make stuff.
“That kind of thing really draws people in , and our history goes way back into engineering.” Neil took over from his dad Donald , while now his son Andrew is stepping up too.
Neil added : “ My son Andrew is becoming managing director ; I’m semi-retired now. Andrew’s our next generation , and I’m chuffed he’s taking it on.”
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