Sherrards’ commercial property and corporate team advised The Darkness drummer Rufus Taylor on the purchase of The Shipwrights Arms, a well-known gastropub with four luxury letting suites in the coastal village of Helford near Falmouth in Cornwall which overlooks the beautiful Helford Estuary.

The freehold acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for the property, which has long been a fixture of the local hospitality scene. The venue attracted national media coverage following the purchase, not only for its iconic location but also due to the involvement of Rufus’ father, Queen drummer Roger Taylor, in supporting the transaction.

Sherrards advised on all legal aspects of the acquisition, including property due diligence, negotiation of the contract, and commercial considerations relevant to the site’s future use. The deal involved a heritage property with mixed use and strategic potential, requiring clear and pragmatic legal advice throughout.

Senior Consultant Solicitor, Richard Berns led the transaction for Sherrards, drawing on significant experience in commercial property to guide the process from initial instruction through to completion. Jean-Paul Da Costa led the business aspects of the acquisition working hand in hand with Richard, as they have done many times over the last 30 years.

Sherrards are pleased to have played a role in supporting Rufus on this high-profile acquisition and look forward to seeing how The Shipwrights Arms continues to evolve under its new ownership.

For a taste of what’s to come (and perhaps a pint with a side of rock’n’roll), visit The Shipwrights Arms.

The project involved seven historical buildings at Camden Stables Market, just by Regent’s Canal, a complex site requiring tight coordination. The Sherrards team worked closely with Live Odyssey and other stakeholders to secure vacant possession across all buildings, negotiate and complete the new lease, assist with planning permission and new operating licence, and navigate a range of practical and legal complexities, all within a very limited timeframe to support an immovable launch date.

The buildings’ location, heritage status and the innovative nature of the venue meant that every piece of the puzzle had to fit precisely and quickly. There were plenty of moving parts, but our team handled the negotiations and legal frameworks with clarity and speed, ensuring Live Odyssey could open its doors as planned.

Live Odyssey is an immersive and interactive tribute to six decades of British music, combining live performances, holograms, 3D visuals, and themed bars in a high-tech, multi-room venue. It’s a bold and exciting new addition to London’s live entertainment scene, offering visitors a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the UK’s most iconic musical moments, from The Clash to Queen.

The transaction was led by Senior Associate Christopher Piggott, and the Sherrards team also included Terry Fendt, Partner and Head of the Commercial Property team. Their deep experience with complex, multi-party property transactions – and their calm, practical approach under pressure, helped guide the project through to a successful conclusion.

We’re proud to support such an innovative and culturally significant venue, and we love supporting innovative businesses like Live Odyssey as they redefine what’s possible in live entertainment.

Live Odyssey is now open, click here to see what the fuss is all about!

Sherrards are thrilled to be working with Lovisa, a leading global jewellery and accessories brand with over 1000 stores across more than 45 countries. Known for delivering affordable, on-trend pieces, Lovisa continues to grow its international footprint—including further expansion in the UK retail market.

Partners Terry Fendt and Stephanie Kierans are advising Lovisa on a range of UK commercial property matters as part of this rollout. Their support has included lease negotiations, acquisitions, and ongoing legal advice to help secure prime high street and shopping centre locations. To date, Sherrards has assisted Lovisa in acquiring new outlets in key retail destinations including Colchester, York, and Castleford, with many further sites in the pipeline.

We’re delighted to support such a dynamic and fast-growing brand as they broaden their UK presence.

Click here to view your nearest Lovisa store.

This ambitious expansion was flawlessly orchestrated through a strategic alliance with the Commercial Property team at Sherrards, under the guidance of Terry Fendt.

PLAYGROUND Brand’s Dance Legacy Broadens Its Horizon. Boasting acclaimed studios in LA, Playground London stands as the newest addition to the illustrious PLAYGROUND Brand, gearing up to offer master classes and dynamic daily sessions helmed by industry-leading choreographers.

Seamless Expansion: Thanks to the diligence and expertise of the Commercial Property team, Playground LA Limited secured a smooth lease agreement, culminating in a mid-July completion. With eager anticipation, PLAYGROUND LONDON is poised to swing its doors open on Oct 2nd!

Frequented by stars like Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber, and associated with brands such as Nike and Adidas, Playground LA’s legacy is set to continue in London. Dive into the PLAYGROUND brand and check out PLAYGROUND LONDON.

A huge congratulations to Esquires Coffee who have recently celebrated the opening of their newest store in Brackley.

Esquires Coffee is an ethical coffee chain with a community spirit, and have over 50 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Our team, led by Terry Fendt, assisted the Esquires team with their new commercial lease.

To find out more about Esquires, click here: https://esquirescoffee.co.uk/

Big Issue Invest has made a significant investment in VU X Earth Limited, the new holding company set up to acquire the group.

Music and arts ventures have been heavily affected by the pandemic so the new funding will allow for additional refurbishment and a training workspace for young people entering the music industry. Over the next five years VU will be collaborating with Hackney Empire, Hackney Music Service and Progression Session, a music charity that provides a platform for young artists and trains young creatives for careers in the industry.

The investment means they can get right back to hosting some of the greatest musicians from around the globe, supporting and inspiring new talent.

You can read more about the investment in Access All Areas, by clicking here.

To find out more, please contact Leigh Head.